This year, 2026, marks 25 years that James Heaslip has been the voice of matchdays at Connacht Rugby. From shaping the atmosphere pre-match to being Connacht's self-proclaimed court jester, his passion for Connacht Rugby has echoed through generations of players and supporters alike.
For 25 years, one voice has set the tone for matchdays in Galway. James Heaslip has soundtracked the Sportsground and he is gearing up for the opening of Dexcom Stadium this Saturday against Leinster.
Like all of these things, becoming the MC at Connacht Rugby was something he tripped and fell into. After suffering an injury with Galwegians, he became aware that Connacht were on the lookout for someone to call out the team sheets at the old Sportsground.
"I would sit into Gerry Kelly's office and I would call out the names," recalls James.
Shaping the matchday experience
The role has changed over the years, progressing from just calling out players names to building up the atmosphere through pre-match interviews with players and games. James always brings up a match mascot before the game for a light-hearted chat. It's one of the highlights of the pre-match experience.
"Before every game, we always introduce the mascot, and then we'll interview a player. There's always more interest in the mascot, definitely," he jokes.
"It's gas. The crowd always react well because they're always funny, you know.
"It's great. It's something we do for every game. I don't think other places do it, but we do it and we've always kept it going, so it's always been great fun. When they're doing it there's a big camera and a bit of a hullabaloo up on the screen. I think it's a great way to build the atmosphere as well," James explains.
James plays an integral role in shaping the atmosphere before Connacht go to battle. But he doesn't see it that way, he likens his role as more of a "court jester".
"I think in the old days they used to call them court jesters. You're just trying to keep things moving. Interviewing a mascot, going into the crowd, voxpopping randomly as people walk past."
He believes that there's something special about Connacht Rugby. A feeling of familiarity that everybody is at home.
"There's a kind of a hometown thing with Connacht. It's rough and ready a bit sometimes, you know, I mean, there's no script to it," explains James.
"Everyone kind of knows each other. Everyone has their own standing spot. I'm going up there for all these years, and every single week, I can go, well, he's standing over there, he's standing over there, he's over there."
Memorable nights
James has been through it all the last 25 years. He's seen the highs and the lows. He is unequivocal on his highlights at the Sportsground.
"In 2012 when we beat Harlequins," says James.
"Eric Elwood was coaching and we beat Harlequins to end the 14-game losing streak. We'd no chance against them, they were full of stars.
"The boys played unbelievable, I remember everyone in the crowd stayed and a huge crowd invaded the pitch as well. It was a brilliant night," James remembers.
He also recounts the game against Glasgow in 2016 to get into the Pro12 semi-final as "wild".
"When Pat [Lam] was here in 2016 and we had to play Glasgow at home to get into the semi-finals. We were underdogs for that but it was an unbelievable game of rugby and we pinched it at the end.
"There was wild celebrations that night. I remember in the marquee afterwards the place was hopping, one of the all-time great nights up there."
A new era begins
The new Dexcom Stadium is a "game changer" for rugby in Galway and the province. James is a coach himself and a rugby fanatic. He says that the new ground gives young players something to aspire for.
"I'm coaching and you're looking at kids and this is a great thing for them to be looking at. To say that in 10 years' time you'll be here."
For the players of today, however, the potential is sky-high. James' excitement at getting the Clan Stand open again and increasing the capacity is palpable. A Connacht fan himself, he describes the province's fanbase as "as loyal as it gets". Getting those fans and more back into the ground could ignite Stuart Lancaster's side's season. It starts on Saturday against Leinster.
"I think the players will come out with their chest pumped out," asserts James.
"If we can beat Leinster on the 24th, you won't see nights like that. I can tell you, there would be nothing better than to see Connacht beating Leinster in the Dexcom."
What is the moment he is most looking forward to on Saturday?
"Kick-off. Full stop. First kick of the ball," he responds.
"I can't wait for the place to be heaving and there'll be an atmosphere because people are so excited."
James' passion for Connacht Rugby is infectious. His love for the game goes beyond pre-match interviews and calling out team selections. It is woven into his DNA.
"I'm a rugby man, and I love it. I love Connacht and I love Galway.
"I've lots of friends who have come through it and still have lots of friends involved in it. It's part of us and it's part of me because I would consider myself a rugby person through and through.
"Connacht is a flagship and we want to see them do well, it makes us proud."
For a quarter of a century, James Heaslip has been the voice of the Sportsground. He has been a constant presence through unforgettable nights and changing eras, embodying the spirit of Connacht Rugby in all its warmth, humour and resilience.
As Connacht embarks on its newest chapter at Dexcom Stadium, Heaslip remains exactly where he belongs - at the heart of matchday, reminding everyone why Connacht Rugby feels like home.
