Future looks positive for Mayo rugby clubs

At last week’s Connacht Rugby press event, the organisation’s CEO, Willie Ruane, sat down to chat all things rugby in the province.

Ruane, who was presenting Connacht Rugby’s 10-year vision and strategy along with their five-year plan at the Pálás Theatre in Galway, spoke about his native county of Mayo.

The ex-Connacht and Ballina player, who remarked that he travelled from Foxford to get to the event, told the Western People: “There are different stories with different clubs. If you look at Claremorris, there is such a growing game within the club, the progression they have made has been fantastic.” 

During the presentation, one picture which stood out was a photo of a child from Ukraine holding a trophy with a Ukrainian flag on his back. Ruane explained that the child had moved to Ireland and played with his local club, Ballina.

Speaking about his native team, Ruane said: “What they [Ballina] have done in terms of their facilities is incredible. They have come down from the AIL (All-Ireland League) and that is a disappointment for the club, but at the same time if you look at the depth of talent that is coming through, I believe that the club is in a position to sustain itself with the players and also financially.” 

Ruane added that he was impressed with the continuously growing amount of Mayo schools playing rugby, while the women’s game is also on the rise, with Connacht Rugby planning to have a professional women’s squad within five years.

“We aim to be able to service and support the game better, for example by making sure there are enough coaches and referees. We want the experience to be as good as it possibly can be.”