Gerry Thornley believes that Connacht must make the most of their dramatic reprieve.

Nothing concentrates the mind quite like the fear of failure, or in Connacht's case lately, being done away with. Emboldened, and perhaps even a little surprised by their own resistance and the support they received, Connacht face into the short-term future with a gilt-edged opportunity. But mindful that the vultures might circle over them if they don't grasp it, next season could yet be a make-or-break campaign for them.

Speculation will abound as to why the IRFU hierarchy pulled back from their threat to disband the western province, for the time being at any rate. They deserve some credit for having done so, if not for the lack of grace which accompanied the change of heart. Though their statements continually tried to avoid using the word "Connacht", they were clearly hell-bent on dissolving Connacht.

Publicly the somewhat unfortunate CEO Philip Browne had to plough a lonely furrow, but a key factor may have been the leaking of Connacht's imminent demise by one of his colleagues which, far from being a fait accompli, galvanised opposition to the move.

Ultimately it was most likely that it was a combination of factors. The disparate resistance at club level which would have manifested itself at an e.g.m.; the initial failure to appreciate that and the impact which the proposal would have had down to the grassroots in Connacht; the threat of diverse forms of protest and the embarrassment it would have caused the IRFU coming into the Six Nations and the resistance of the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA), as articulated by its chairman Liam Toland.

In any event, the IRFU press officer John Redmond yesterday rejected the notion it was the prospect of further protests or IRUPA's stance. "No, not in itself," he responded to both suggestions.

Nor was it the growing support within Connacht and Irish rugby. "The IRFU was always very cognisant and respectful of the support within Connacht," he maintained, adding that the union had not miscalculated that mood. It was he said, a time factor as much as anything else. "The IRFU needed more time to evaluate and to input the process that will make the decision."

Significantly too, Redmond said that while the provinces will carry on as normal for next season, "all of the issues will come on board again next year".

So, mindful that the vultures could circle again, Connacht people yesterday spoke of only a battle having been won.

With Bord na gCon expected to complete their new €4.5 million stand at the Sportsground in time for the Galway Races in July, Connacht will be able to facilitate 1,000 covered spectators, including corporate facilities for up to 400. Coupled with expanded terracing on the opposite side of the ground, their capacity will increase to 5,000 at the Sportsground, while as the recent Celtic League quarter-final with Pontypridd proved, the more centrally-located Ericsson Park can accommodate up to 6,000.

While walking on the protest march to 62 Lansdowne Road last Thursday, attended by up to 2,000 people, Eric Elwood made the point if Connacht survived it behoved them to try to generate coaches to carry supporters from as many clubs and schools as possible to home games.

The Connacht Branch treasurer Eamonn Feely admitted yesterday their task was "to exploit the potential we have now in the new stadium. We have to harvest all the support that we've received so that people come and support us regularly."

While some in the IRFU might be embittered by how the saga ultimately panned out, rather than drip-feed Connacht to a slower demise, it is also to be hoped they will ensure Connacht remain as competitive as they've been in the last couple of seasons under Steph Nel's astute stewardship.

"I would like to think that the IRFU will be supporting us 100 per cent," added Feely, "and that they continue funding us to the level it was at and help us."

Pride of place in the Connacht resistance movement goes to the Connacht delegates on the IRFU committee, Billy Glynn and Jeff Smith, and the lobbying of every club in the country by the Connacht Branch, while Connacht Branch CEO Gerry Kelly made a point of praising the lower-profile work of IRFU president Don Crowley. And there was the struggle of the Friends of Connacht.

One tangible continuation of their struggle will be to switch their energies towards the creation of a Connacht Supporters Club. One of their spokespersons, Carl Blake, thanked "the multitudes of people, not just from Connacht, but from all four provinces and indeed abroad who have given us such valuable support in recent days. The unquenchable level of energy and passion which has been displayed for the game of rugby is what gives us cause for optimism."

"We would now urge everyone to channel these qualities into their support for all aspects of Connacht rugby, from the professional team right down to our respective clubs and schools. The Friends of Connacht Rugby hope to be able to play their part and build on the momentum by creating a Supporters Club which can follow the Connacht team in Celtic League and European competition, not just next year but hopefully for many more years to come."