Sparkling Connacht turn it on

Date Published: 11-Dec-2007

SINCE the inception of professionalism, Connacht rugby folk have dreamt of European nights like this at the Sportsground.

A star studded Newcastle came to Galway on Friday and were sent packing by a revitalised and fired up home side backed by a raucous support.

Galway has the potential to be a serious fortress in Europe and it appears that the west now has a team to defend the province from big budget invaders.

Andy Dunne’s injury time penalty could well mark the dawn of a new era.

Newcastle didn’t want to know once they felt the full force of this Connacht front eight, and you’d forgive them had you witnessed the sheer ferocity of what came their way throughout the contest.

This was a special Sportsground night.

Powerful winds, glowing floodlights and a packed stand full of the province’s most loyal and success- starved supporters.

From the outset things felt a little different.

It brought back………