Connacht Rugby announces HopeSpace as official charity partner for 2025/26 season

Connacht Rugby has announced HopeSpace as its official charity partner for the 2025/26 season.

HopeSpace is a charity offering a free in-person listening support service for children, young people and their families throughout Connacht who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Through one-to-one sessions, HopeSpace provides a safe, compassionate space where young people can express their emotions and begin to heal.

HopeSpace services are available to children across Connacht from their centre in Galway city.

The partnership will see Connacht Rugby and HopeSpace work together to raise awareness of the impact of childhood bereavement on families, promote the importance of mental wellbeing, and generate vital funds to support HopeSpace’s work across the province.

Connacht Rugby players and staff will engage in a number of fundraising and awareness activities throughout the season, while HopeSpace will feature prominently in upcoming home fixtures at Dexcom Stadium. Supporters will also have the opportunity to learn more about the charity’s mission and how they can get involved.

Willie Ruane, CEO of Connacht Rugby, commented: “We are honoured to partner with HopeSpace, whose work makes a profound difference in the lives of children and families facing the hardest of challenges. Community is one of our core values and we know that lies at the heart of HopeSpace’s mission also. We look forward to supporting them this season and helping to raise awareness across Connacht of the vital services they provide.”

Myles McHugh, chair of HopeSpace, added: “HopeSpace is proud to have been chosen as charity partner of Connacht Rugby, a club deeply rooted in the heart of its community and committed to supporting the wellbeing of young people across the province.

“This partnership will increase awareness of childhood grief and the supports available. It will help us reach more families and young people who may be struggling with loss. Together we aim to build a community where no child has to navigate grief alone.”

For more information on HopeSpace and how to support their work, visit www.hopespace.ie.