Last night wasn’t a great one on the field for Connacht Rugby but it was a wonderful night off it as the club and its fans broke a world record.
The Sportsground crowd became the largest ever gathering of people wearing a hi-vis jacket in one place with approximately 5,000 people decked out in bright jackets at the Galway venue.
The 2016 Pro12 winners teamed up with workwear manufacturers Portwest as part of their Be Bright on Safety campaign which aims to highlight the importance and responsibility of road users when it comes to safety this winter.
It has to be said it was quite a sight as you can see from the pictures below courtesy of Connacht Rugby…
Tonight’s World Record attempt made for some great pics! 📸
Certainly made for a unique setting for tonight’s #GuinnessPRO14 interpro.
Thanks to everyone who took part @PortwestIreland #BeBrightOnSafety pic.twitter.com/IY5FJ8hx0i
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) December 21, 2019
What was even more impressive was the sound of 5,000 people belting out Fairytale Of New York just a few days before Christmas….
And the world record attempt is underway!
A sold out Sportsground in hi vis jackets singing Fairytale of New York. You love to see it! 🟡🌲@PortwestIreland #BeBrightOnSafety pic.twitter.com/pZGtb3DjYU
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) December 21, 2019
Munster defeated Connacht Rugby 14-19 in their Pro14 clash but the result pales into significance when you consider the awareness raised on such n important campaign. The previous record stood at 2,449 so it’s fair to say Connacht smashed the record and then some.
Next up for Connacht is a trip to face Ulster on December 27 before heading to Dublin to take on Leinster on January 4.
Well done to all involved on a great night at the Sportsgrounds.
