Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

It gives me great pleasure to take the opportunity to defend the people of Connacht. I grew up in the province and will defend it to the ends of the earth. Many of my friends in Galway will remember the first rugby match I went to with my husband. He was my boyfriend then, but we nearly broke up before the end of it when I asked him if the team which had put the ball over the bar had scored a point. I think he thought I was not on the right playing pitch.

When one sees a five year old child asking for a Connacht rugby jersey on his Santa list, one can see the difference sport can make to the lives of every family and community. I will happily admit that I do not know an awful lot about rugby and have never attended an international game in Lansdowne Road but this does not mean I do not believe the IRFU's plan to take away Connacht's professional squad is in any way justified or equitable.

I am delighted to hear the Minister confirm that he intends to meet the IRFU to discuss this important and sensitive issue. He also said he was certain the views of Senators as expressed in this debate would be taken on board by the IRFU. I hope it is listening very carefully.

Any kind of sport is the lifeblood of both urban and rural communities. When children and young people are playing sport, they are not hanging around on street corners, dabbling in drugs, drinking themselves stupid or getting into trouble. It is often hard for those living in rural communities to find other outlets because of a lack of facilities such as cinemas etc. The local sports hall, club and matches give occasion for people to come together. Even the AGMs of local rugby clubs are reasons for them to get together and have contact with the outside world. That is what Connacht rugby means.