After 16 seasons trying and having watched no less than 58 different clubs take part, Connacht are finally there. They’ve reached the Heineken Cup. By hook rather than crook but they’ll take it and there is no shame in feeling as though they deserve their place.

First of all, the three teams below them in this season’s Magners League will be there. Secondly the Italian and Scottish sides get there automatically each year – even when they didn’t, the qualification process was far more attainable. While, in Wales the more evenly funded regions all get a look in once in a while.

So for that reason it’s hard to argue that Connacht don’t deserve a crack at it.

Yet there is no need for any triumphalism and public celebrations are hardly appropriate, this is one to be savoured quietly.

The team didn’t earn this but they deserve it

The branch didn’t earn it either but they too deserve it.

It is only an opportunity, it must be fully grasped by them both. The team will need to balance a desire to be competitive in the Magners League – where they will aim to at least contend for automatic qualification with an obvious desire to do themselves justice in Europe’s premier competition

The Connacht Branch now have time on the main stage. They will need to transform the match day experience while resisting the temptation to increase ticket prices for Heineken Cup games. The focus instead should be on packing in the crowds, ensuring that every paying customer is comfortable, has a good view and that the overall facilities are up to scratch in terms of food, drinks, toilets without the queues.

Whether the best solution for handling such big game is in Galway or Athlone, a decision must be made.

What’s good is that this has come at the end of a season where the Connacht team, under Eric Elwood, made tangible progress. They climbed off the bottom of the table, dramatically improved their defensive systems and developed more young talent.

Had this come last season, when the team finished bottom with 53 tries conceded in just 18 games, it would have all felt a little wrong in many ways. The team were slipping back at that point. They’re moving forward now.

That said, next season’s squad is looking a little thinner on paper. There are players coming in with the potential to replace those that are leaving but question marks will linger over some while there are still two major signings needed at tighthead and inside centre.

Plenty to ponder then but one thing is for sure, the feeling that Connacht are finally at the top table won’t go away for the summer. We here at knockon.ie would wager that more people will be tuning into the Heineken Cup draw from the west of Ireland this summer than all the other three provinces put together.

Mackay’s place in folklore is so strong because of what came after. Euro 88 was the launching pad for an incredible period in Irish football that lasted for 14 years. The Republic of Ireland exploded onto the world stage and more than did themselves justice, here’s hoping this backdoor entry into Europe for Connacht will have the same effect.

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