Ulster Rugby Annual Report 2016-17

out above the rest. I think that everyone involved with rugby in Ireland was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Munster head coach Anthony Foley in Paris in October. I had the privilege of attending his funeral service in Killaloe which was a moving and sad occasion. Munster Rugby was very appreciative of the Ulster gesture of erecting a plaque in memory of “Axel” in the away changing room. This was a reciprocal gesture after Munster erected a plaque in memory of Nevin Spence. Ulster Rugby is very mindful of its position in the community and this season we selected a new charity partner, in addition to our regular partner the IRFU Charitable Trust. “Include Youth” is a charity which supports five hundred young people from disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland and looks to help them move into training or employment. This was a different type of partnership from the ones we have been used to but I am pleased to report that a number of very successful initiatives have been run with “Include Youth” who are delighted both with the outcomes and the partnership with Ulster Rugby. As I have said already, the Ulster Branch is dependent on its volunteers and in particular I would like to thank all those who give of their time freely and contribute to the Branch Committee, Clubs Committee and Management Committee. I would also like to thank my two Vice- presidents, Graffin Parke and Stephen Elliott, for all their support and help throughout the year. They were always willing to fulfil functions and make themselves available and I am very grateful for their commitment and friendship. The roles of Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Competitions Secretary are onerous, demanding and time consuming. My thanks go to Denis Gardiner, Michael Boyd and Greg Irwin for all the work they do and the support they have given me during the year. I must also thank CEO Shane Logan and his staff for the tremendous work they do. Ulster Rugby is very fortunate to have such a committed and dedicated workforce. Special thanks goes to Maeve Bogie for the excellent support and help she has given me throughout my year in Office. I must also thank my wife Moira and our family for their support, understanding and tolerance throughout what has been a very busy year. Their support was invaluable and very much appreciated. Finally, I would wish Graffin Parke all the very best for his year as President and that he and Lexi have a successful and enjoyable year ahead. John McKibbin President IRFU Ulster Branch

We say goodbye to a number of players and coaches and I would thank them for their contribution to Ulster Rugby and wish them well for the future. In particular, Ruan Pienaar and Roger Wilson have made massive contributions to Ulster, both on and off the pitch and they will be missed. Equally, Neil Doak and Allen Clarke have made significant contributions to Ulster Rugby, both as players and more lately as coaches. They deserve our thanks for all their efforts and they have our best wishes for the future. With regard to the domestic game, I must admit to being surprised at the large number of invitations I received from clubs, either for dinners, functions or just to attend matches. Whilst I was unable to accept them all, I am very grateful for the hospitality and friendly reception I received from the clubs and schools I visited. It was very much appreciated and valued. Our clubs and schools, as well as the Ulster Branch itself, are totally dependent on our volunteers. Their commitment and work are invaluable and the Ulster Branch is very grateful and appreciative of all their efforts. Whether it is in support of the running of a club, the adult game, schools, youth or women’s game, these volunteers are absolutely essential to maintain and develop our game. There is an excellent saying I have used at club dinners this season - “Volunteers don’t get paid. It is not because they are worthless, it’s because they are priceless.” I am also very grateful to all the work carried out by the USRFR. Our referees are just as important to the game as the players and I would thank them for all they do to keep our game of rugby going. Domestic rugby is facing many challenges, particularly with the reduction in playing numbers in the adult male game. Considerable work and effort has been put in by Chris Webster’s domestic game staff to help and provide support to clubs. I would encourage everyone to read the Domestic Game section in this annual report to see the volume of work being carried out on a wide ranging and varied set of initiatives to support and help our clubs and schools. Our Domestic Game staff deserve praise and our thanks for their commitment and efforts. On the playing front, it was a much better year in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League for Ulster Clubs with Banbridge, Armagh and Rainey all winning promotion and Omagh successfully entering the All Ireland League. Congratulations to all four clubs. Armagh also won the SONI Premiership League (Senior League) for the first time in their long history which is an excellent achievement. Ballynahinch won all three of the main Cup Competitions – the First Trust Senior Cup, the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup and the River Rock Towns Cup and in Schools rugby, RBAI “three in a row” – no need to say more! I have attended a wide range of functions and events throughout the year but there is one which stands 6 6 IRFU ULSTER BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT & STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2016/17