Watched back the game yesterday and one thing i really noticed was McSharry shouting at the other players getting them into position i thought it was Dan parks on the pitch at one moment. Just shows how an influence he has on the lads this season.

Watched back the game yesterday and one thing i really noticed was McSharry shouting at the other players getting them into position i thought it was Dan parks on the pitch at one moment. Just shows how an influence he has on the lads this season.

columoc wrote: Unfortunately there are always a few. I remember a few years ago a few of us were swung punches at by a few Sligo GAA supporters who we told to stop shouting racist abuse at Jason Sherlock.

The best way to deal with it is non-acceptance by those around them - like the smoking ban. I think the Sportsground is one of the most welcoming places for people to come and play rugby, passionate but respectful. Long may it stay that way.

I think the Key is toleration of people who are maybe not au-fait with Rugby and it's traditions, but zero tolerance of continuous poor behaviour from any supporter. Two people do not have the right to spoil the enjoyment of a bigger group...

Just realised I missed the earlier post. Didn't realise someone actually got punched. Even more disturbing. I suppose in future we must be more proactive. Sad development really.

Unfortunately there are always a few. I remember a few years ago a few of us were swung punches at by a few Sligo GAA supporters who we told to stop shouting racist abuse at Jason Sherlock.

The best way to deal with it is non-acceptance by those around them - like the smoking ban. I think the Sportsground is one of the most welcoming places for people to come and play rugby, passionate but respectful. Long may it stay that way.

unaod wrote: We were right beside her. Ruined the second half for some. Also got quite aggressive. Lots of kids around who looked a bit scared. Thankfully a rare occurrence at rugby games.

Sorry, joined this late...

Wasn't there, what was she saying/shouting/doing?

Question is, can you eject someone for shouting during penalty kicks/conversions?

No but you can for starting a punch up which this woman and her date are alleged to do.

Very disappointing game, no need to restate what others have already said but I was very impressed by Coughlan. No-one else really stood out for me. Was brilliant to see Henshaw and McSharry out there, they looked comfortable. The smile on Robbie's face when he came off to rapturous applause said it all.

One thing that particularly stood out for me was the quality of offloading from some of the non-Connacht players. There were several times when lads were tackled going forward, and I'm so used to seeing a ruck formed and the ball recycled (or not) when Connacht play, then all of a sudden the ball had popped into a support runners arms and they were away. It's an area of the game I think we're really lacking.

Didn't hear that crazy lady ye're talking about above but there were some extremely obnoxious Canadians not far from us. I heard some lads near us discussing whether or not they should put some manners on them. Hopefully it's just because this was an International that these elements are attending. Would hate to see this sort of thing regularly at The Sportsground. It's rare in my experience. Last time I can remember anything like that would have been when we played London Welsh in a pre-season game a few years ago. There were only a few of their fans in attendance but they were the most ignorant 'supporters' I have ever come across.

Seapoint there were no anthems played pre-game so I'm sure you'll be glad to know I didn't have to compromise my position on Phil Coulter dittys.

I'd say they could hear her. We weren't far from the end of the Clan stand. Question is, can you eject someone for shouting during penalty kicks/conversions?

Is going quiet a rule or a courtesy?

There's usually a grumpy steward patrolling the dog track for Connacht game, but he was nowhere to be seen the last day unfortunately.

In this age of Smartphone did someone not think to record her to send to the Connacht Branch office. If her behaviour was as offensive as suggested then a steward should have been called at the very least, but if there's video evidence of her behaviour then send it to the Branch Office and get here banned from the ground...

I was way up the other side so couldn't see her but I could hear her otherwise I would have grabbed a steward. I just had to settle for shouting at her to shut up in that general direction.

unaod wrote: We were right beside her. Ruined the second half for some. Also got quite aggressive. Lots of kids around who looked a bit scared. Thankfully a rare occurrence at rugby games.

The only piece of good news I can report is that when the lady in question turned around, I noticed that the distinctive green and white hooped hat that she wore bore the insignia of a certain Glasgow-based sports club specialising in round ball pursuits.
For a while there I was worried.
Can't see her coming back, she seemed as disappointed in us as we were in her.

unaod wrote: We were right beside her. Ruined the second half for some. Also got quite aggressive. Lots of kids around who looked a bit scared. Thankfully a rare occurrence at rugby games.

In this age of Smartphone did someone not think to record her to send to the Connacht Branch office. If her behaviour was as offensive as suggested then a steward should have been called at the very least, but if there's video evidence of her behaviour then send it to the Branch Office and get here banned from the ground...

We were right beside her. Ruined the second half for some. Also got quite aggressive. Lots of kids around who looked a bit scared. Thankfully a rare occurrence at rugby games.

I thought Madigan added something different when he came on and would have liked to see him at 10 for a few minutes. Apart from the score I think it can get considered a success. A way bigger crowd than any other A game. The local economy got a boost and the corporate hobnobs seemed to be happy. Plus it kept Rugby in the spotlight in Connacht keeping the awareness high and hopefully the momentum going in terms of popularity.

Very poor game and atmosphere, made worse by that mad bint at the bottom of the Clan. When I heard her first I thought it must be someone pissed and just having a laugh, but when I got a look at her, she looked like she was not playing with the full deck to be honest. I've a feeling that she's the type who'll only come out to stand up for her country against 'the English' so we're probably safe enough.

I though McSharry did fine. Henshaw was less consistent, but overall did ok. Like all the backs from 12 out, it is hard to be critical because they got so little ball. People criticise Connacht for kicking aimless ball, but that was a different level altogether. Game was played on Englands terms even when the scoreboard said otherwise. Coughlan did well and Marshall too. Luke Fitzgerald was busy defensively, but he seemed to kick everything regardless of the options. Barring that I don't think anyone did themselves any favours really.