Connacht Rugby has been honoured for its contribution to the city by the Galway Chamber of Commerce.
Connacht Rugby won the award for arts, sports, and culture in recognition of its contribution to the local economy at the chamber’s president’s dinner and business awards on Saturday evening at the Clayton Hotel.
The chamber recognised the importance of Connacht Rugby to the local economy, having contributed about €6 million last year.
The club employs more than 70 people and contributed nearly €3 million to the economy in wages. The 16 teams and their supporters who visited the city last year accounted for some 2,000 hotel rooms, while interprovincial matches encouraged some 4,000 day-trippers to the city, spending in the region of €1.35 million on food and beverages
This year the Heineken Cup is expected to boost visitors to the province with big-name European visitors from Toulouse, Harlequins and Gloucester.
Connacht Rugby CEO Gerry Kelly said the award recognised the hard work that had been done both on and off the pitch at Connacht Rugby.
“This recognition also acknowledges the work of our commercial and marketing team led by Fiona Keys and we look forward to continuing to drive the economy in the region for many years to come.
“I’d like to pay special tribute to the businesses across the province which have supported us over the years. This vital support, be they sponsors, suppliers, or loyal fans enables us to continue to represent the province across Europe.”
