"Tom Dempsey has been supporting the Connacht Women's squad for many years now and with the team going from strength to strength, his loyal support has been very much appreciated and is vital to the progression of the squad," she said.

Head coach Lyndon Jones has been ably supported by backroom and coaching personnel Angela Flaherty, Joe McGinley, Sinead Cosgrave and Hickey in leading a satisfactory pre-season programme.

With the Interpro Championship upon us, they have a difficult task selecting matchday squads from a talented Connacht panel.

Traditionally dominated by a large Galwegians contingent, this year's squad contains a mix of players from a wide range of clubs most notably Longford RFC, many of whom bring valuable years of interprovincial experience to the relatively young side.

Connacht are immediately setting their sights on improving on last season's campaign which saw them narrowly miss out on third place overall.

Their season will continue on Saturday, October 31 where the Connacht girls face Ulster at Ravenhill; a home match against Munster on November 14, followed by the finals day hosted by Leinster Rugby at Donnybrook on November 29.