Galway city clubs Galway Corinthians RFC and Galwegians face each other in this season's Connacht Senior League at Cloonacauneen on Friday (8pm ) in a game which will be streamed live for supporters.
Both teams lost their opening games when Corinthians were beaten 32-26 by Ballina, and Galwegians 42-10 by Sligo, ensuring added bite to this making must-win game.
This year's league sees the top qualifying team advancing directly to the Connacht Senior Cup final, while also representing the province in the Bateman Cup, ensuring there is much on the line for both teams. It will also provide the clubs with crucial preparation in advance of Energia All-Ireland League which gets underway next month.
The two clubs have not met since the start of the 19/20 season with Corinthians winning both the Connacht Senior League and Energia League games, and host president Kieran Faherty says tomorrow evening's fixture is important for grassroots rugby.
“You know, there is some sort of normality on the way, when you have the opportunity of hosting this great Galway rugby rivalry.
“Friday night’s game will showcase some exciting new young talent from both clubs in what will hopefully be an exciting old fashioned full blooded local derby battle."
Newly elected Galwegian president Carl Blake says there is no more fitting game to start a term of office.
"Two years has been far too long to go without a Wegians v Corinthians derby.“There is a very rich history between our two clubs, and I have no doubt that Friday’s game will add to that and help promote the club game in our city and province.”
*The game will be broadcast on the respective club's Facebook pages with John Mulligan and James Heaslip on commentary duty.
