Top Mayo GAA stadium to host big rugby clash in March

Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar will host a URC rugby clash between Connacht and Munster next March.

The decision has been rubberstamped by the GAA's Central Council.

Connacht made the request to Mayo GAA, which was subsequently referred to central council.

The game will take place on Saturday, March 29, with an afternoon kick-off and will come just eight days before Mayo get their Connacht SFC campaign under way against Sligo at the same venue.

Some estimates, according to the Irish Independent, put the potential crowd at the Connacht/Munster game at around upwards of 15,000 which would yield a welcome windfall for Mayo GAA.

Connacht will become the fourth provincial rugby team in the country to host a game at a GAA venue within their geographical reach.