Reality kicks in against sloppy Ulster

Date Published: 12-May-2009

CONNACHT must have the most loyal fans in the Magners League. Around 1,500 diehards that out-do all other fanatics. Other teams and provinces rake them in for the big games, but Connacht fans trundle in week in, week out knowing full well that they’ll see their side lose more often than they win.

The pull the province has beyond those addicted few is minimal at the moment because the prospects are bleak. No less than 13 years of second tier European rugby can do that.

Just once, they would like to see their side deliver and take a seat at the top table. Imagine the coverage, the sell out crowds, the Sky TV cameras, the slot on the Thursday evening Rugby Club show, the five minutes of listening to an RTE panel actually talking about Connacht. Wow!

All sports teams need a goal, they need something that is attainable, but requires a maximum effort to reach. Connacht have that goal even if their paymasters don’t and year after year they fall well short. It must be starting to take its toll on the hearts of their supporters. Two admittedly great wins over Munster and Leinster just won’t cut it. To truly gain respect beyond the Shannon, Connacht need real progress.

Why the faithful keep coming really is baffling. There was nothing to play for on Friday night but pride and some drummed up ‘triple crown’ of home wins target (Somebody pass the party balloons). Seriously though, there were not even a few young newbies from the academy to cast the eye over with a view to next season. Same old, same old.

Yet twenty-five minutes into the first half, with…