Last season's interprovincial match between Connacht and Leinster in early January was called off due to severe weather.
Connacht's recent Magners League clash with Aironi Rugby was called off two weeks ago due to the dangerous travelling conditions, coupled with a frozen pitch.
The straw was generously donated by Turloughmore farmer JP Shaughnessy and his sons John and Paul, after a similar trial at Munster's Thomond Park proved successful last week.
The 80 bales of straw were spread across the pitch by members of local rugby club OLBC, who share the Sportsground with Connacht, and will be rebaled later in the week after the worst of the weather has passed.
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