AV experts Sound to Light team up with Connacht Rugby

Connacht Rugby is pleased to announce a new five-year agreement with Sound to Light, one of Ireland’s leading audio-visual and event production companies.

As part of the agreement, Sound to Light will become Connacht Rugby’s preferred AV supplier for events hosted at the soon-to-be redeveloped Dexcom Stadium and the new High-Performance Centre, which will not only be an elite sporting facility but the go-to venue for indoor events and conferences in the West of Ireland.

This long-term collaboration ensure that future clients at Dexcom Stadium will benefit from exceptional, high-quality AV solutions and event production from Sound to Light, capturing every moment of the action and delivering seamless experiences for events of all sizes. This makes Galway an international destination for business and events professionals, offering AV production on par with anywhere in the world from Croke Park to Madison Square Garden. This agreement builds on the strong working relationship between Sound to Light and Connacht Rugby with Sound to Light previously providing premium AV services at flagship events such as the annual Connacht Rugby Awards.

Founded 40 years ago as a family-run business, Sound to Light has grown into a national provider of high-end AV production, supporting everything from corporate conferences to gala awards. Led by Rory Collins, alongside Co-Directors Micheal Long and Dani Collins-Hadley, the company has built a strong leadership team that continues to drive growth. Based in Galway and Dublin and with a nation-wide network of technicians, Sound to Light delivers projects at many of the most prestigious venues and events in Ireland including for the Lions Rugby Tour, the Global Economic Summit and the AIPCO Conference.

Sound to Light has also successfully renewed its EcoMerit Environmental Certification and Dani Collins-Hadley is currently completing an MSc in Sustainable Tourism and Events. This reflects the company’s commitment to shaping a greener future for events in Ireland.

Opening in early 2026, the redeveloped Dexcom Stadium will become a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue in the heart of the West of Ireland. With modern spaces that can cater for up to 4000 guests, Connacht Rugby will soon be able to welcome businesses, organisations and communities from across the world, cementing Dexcom Stadium as not just a sporting venue, but a year-round destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and events.

Dani Collins-Hadley, Co-Director of Sound to Light says:

“Sound To Light has grown into one of Ireland’s leading AV suppliers, a legacy now reflected in this new five-year agreement with Connacht Rugby. At Sound to Light we pride ourselves in leading the charge for creating sustainable and innovative AV experiences in Ireland and are looking forward to doing that here at Dexcom Stadium, comparable to anywhere in the world. I am completing my Masters in Sustainable Tourism and Events which will uniquely position us to deliver sustainable events.”

Philip Patterson, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Connacht Rugby says:

“This new agreement with Sound to Light marks a significant step forward in our mission to deliver world-class events at Dexcom Stadium. Their expertise in audio-visual production will elevate the experience for every client and guest, ensuring our venue sets a high standard for innovation, quality, and service in the events industry. We look forward to continuing to grow this existing relationship with Sound to Light over the next five years.”

Ends

For media enquiries:

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Connacht Rugby are now inviting expressions of interest from future clients to book their next event at Dexcom Stadium, from 2026. Businesses can contact Sandra Fahy, Senior Stadium Commercial Manager, at [email protected].

Notes to Editors

From nightclub to rugby club: The current directors of Sound to Light all have extensive experience across the events industry including the night-life entertainment world. From its early days providing sound systems, lighting, and DJs, Sound to Light has grown into a nationwide full-service AV production partner with an expert in-house production, design, and graphics team, enabling it to manage every stage of an event from planning to delivery. Attention to detail and a client-focused approach have built long-term relationships and a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and creativity.

Co-director of Sound to Light Dani Collins-Hadley Bio:

Now a director of Sound to Light, founded over 40 years ago by her parents Johnny and Geraldine Collins, Dani grew up surrounded by the energy and buzz of bringing events to life. After moving to the UK for university, she went on to own and operate her own event space for over 20 years, an experience that taught her every aspect of planning and delivering events. She is proud to serve on the board of the UK’s largest jazz and blues festival, an incredible role that keeps her connected to the live music scene. She is currently studying for a Masters in Sustainable Tourism and Events, combining a lifelong passion for the industry with a focus on creating more sustainable and innovative audiovisual experiences.

Co-Director of Sound to Light Micheal Long Bio:

Michael Long has spent 20 years in the AV industry at Sound to Light. His technical know-how is a big part of what he brings to the team, bridging the gap between the technology and the people using it, making sure all the logistics run smoothly. Music has always been a big passion of his, and that carries through into the AV world, where he is surrounded by big sound and lighting systems every day.

Co-director Rory Collins Bio:

Rory started his career as a DJ and event promoter before joining Sound to Light in 2006. While running Sound to Light, he also owned and operated a successful licensed premises in Galway hosting live music, DJs, food, entertainment, and corporate events. Since successfully selling the licensed premises in 2019, he has driven the growth of Sound to Light, delivering high-impact conferences, corporate events, product launches, and off-site meetings nationwide, working with leading hotels, venues, and global brands. With Dani and Michael, he has brought together exceptionally talented people and creating a team dynamic that works in harmony, helping to make Sound to Light the success it is today.