Over the last 125 seasons, it has gone from strength to strength. There are currently 22 adult clubs and a further six youth/mini clubs operating in Connacht, along with the province's senior team and representative teams at Under-18 (Youths and Schools), Under-19, Under-20, Junior and women's level.

Of the original six clubs that formed the Connacht Branch, three are still in operation - Ballinasloe, Castlebar and Queen's College Galway (UCG RFC).

This year's President of Connacht Rugby is Jim Foy from Galwegians. He is continuing the ambassadorial role first undertaken by Richard Biggs of Galway Grammar School, who was elected in 1885.

Tickets for the 2011 Connacht Rugby Awards, which is a black-tie event, can be purchased from the Connacht Branch offices on College Road, or by contacting Eoin at eoin@cbirfu.com.

Tickets cost €85 and include dinner at the Galway Bay Hotel as well as access to the ceremony on Saturday, May 7. There will be a number of awards presented on the night and the Hall of Fame inductee will also be honoured.

Do not miss your chance to mingle with the Connacht players and management and celebrate the province's 125th anniversary.