Connacht Rugby announces three-year partnership agreement with Corrib Oil

Connacht Rugby has agreed a three-year partnership with Corrib Oil, who will become official fuel partner of the organisation.

The partnership, which commences immediately ahead of the new 2020/21 season, will see the Corrib Oil logo incorporated onto the shorts of both the senior men’s professional team and the Connacht women’s team.

Corrib Oil was founded over 30 years ago in Claremorris and supports over 650 jobs, primarily in the west of Ireland.

The 2020/21 home, away and European kits, which all feature the Corrib Oil logo, will be revealed in the coming days.

Commenting on the announcement, head of commercial and marketing with Connacht Rugby, Brian Mahony, said: “I am delighted to welcome Corrib Oil on board as official fuel partner of Connacht Rugby. Corrib Oil have a long and proud history, with roots right here in the west of Ireland, so the partnership is a perfect fit for us.

“We’re looking forward to working with them over the next three seasons and give them the platform to help further grow their business.”

Eugene Dalton, managing director of Corrib Oil, commented: “We are delighted to enter this exciting partnership with Connacht Rugby and look forward to supporting them in their quest for success in the coming seasons.

“For Corrib Oil, this partnership is ideal given our many locations for service stations and fuel depots in the Connacht region. Equally, many of our customers and employees are passionate Connacht supporters so it has created great excitement within our company.

“We extend best wishes to management and squad as the competitive action begins again."

Meanwhile, history was made last night when Ann Heneghan was elected the first ever female president of Connacht Rugby. Originally from Partry and now living in Galway, Ms. Heneghan is the first woman to hold a presidential role at provincial level in Irish rugby. She was initially elected junior vice-president in May 2018 and senior vice-president last summer.

Ms. Heneghan runs a law firm based in Galway and Claremorris, and more recently she has been appointed as a judicial officer for World Rugby, facilitating on cases across a range of competitions.

Her election occurred in a unique online Connacht Rugby annual general meeting last night, and she will now have the distinct honour of holding the position of president when Connacht Rugby marks its 135th anniversary in December.

Commenting on her election, Ms. Heneghan (pictured above) said: “It is a great honour to be elected as president of Connacht Rugby. Having been involved with the Supporters Club at a time when the future of Connacht Rugby was in jeopardy, it is particularly pleasing to see how the province has grown and flourished over the intervening years.

“I am particularly looking forward to engaging with all of the volunteers involved in the game across the province. Connacht Rugby's vision of 'Grassroots to Green Shirts' reflects the ambition we have for the game at all levels and I look forward to playing my part on the next stage of that journey.

“While it will be a different type of season, I look forward to bringing my experience from different roles to this position and I relish the opportunity to be involved at a historic time for Connacht Rugby as we celebrate 135 years of rugby in the province.”

*Pictured above are Connacht Rugby's Nicole Fowley, Dave Heffernan, Quinn Roux, Caolin Blade and Mairead Coyne. Photo: INPHO/James Crombie