Ulster Rugby Annual Report 2015 - 2016

work put in by all. Particular thanks are due to Denis Templeton and John Boyd who are both stepping down after 6 years as chairs of the Commercial and Marketing Committee and the Rugby Committee respectively. Both have given great commitment and made significant contributions to Ulster Rugby for which we are very grateful. The Ulster Branch is, as ever, indebted to our referees who ensure that rugby is played throughout the season at all levels. It is good to note that incidents of referee abuse are significantly down as it is important that all players, coaches, officials and spectators give referees the respect they are due. Bobby Stewart has had an excellent year as President of the Ulster Branch. Bobby, ably supported by his wife Valarie, has fulfilled his duties, whether in support of the professional game or the domestic game, with commitment, good humour and diplomacy. Bobby has attended matches, functions and dinners in virtually every part of Ulster this season and we are very appreciative of the commitment and energy that Bobby has demonstrated. The Ulster Branch is indebted to both Bobby and Valarie for all that they have done and given for Ulster Rugby. Thanks are also due to all those who have contributed to this report. These include Denis Gardiner, Richard Clinghan, Paul Hart, Stephen Crooke, Chris Webster, Fiona Hampton, Bryn Cunningham, Michael Black, Clive Bowles, Barry Willis, Paul Whitten, Colin Hunter and Gareth Adams. I have pleasure in presenting to you the Annual Report of the Ulster Branch for 2015-16 and commend it to you for your acceptance. John McKibbin Honorary Secretary

APPOINTMENTS AND REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS

Congratulations are due to Rory Best, Tommy Bowe, Ian Henderson, Jared Payne, Chris Henry, Darren Cave, Paddy Jackson, Andrew Trimble and Stuart McCloskey who represented Ireland in the 2015-16 season. Rory Best is also to be congratulated on being appointed as the Ireland captain following the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Our Congratulations are also due to all those players, both male and female, who have represented Ireland at other levels of the game during the season. Roger Wilson and Andrew Trimble are to be congratulated for reaching 200 appearances for Ulster during the season. During the season, the Branch Committee was delighted to recognise the following appointments: Joe Miles Irish Wolfhounds Team Manager Alan McGonigle Ireland U19 Team Manager Stephen Hilditch IRFU Senior Vice President John McKinney Ireland Schools Team Manager Gordon Hamilton Chairman of the IRFU Professional Game Board Ian McIlrath Chairman of the IRFU Rugby Committee David Dobbin Vice Chairman IRFU Oversight Board for the 2023 RWC Bid. Ian Beggs MBE for services to rugby THANKS On behalf of the Ulster Branch, I wish to express thanks to CEO Shane Logan and all his staff who have contributed so much to the work of the Branch again this season. Equally, thanks are due to all those volunteers who give of their time to deal with the many issues faced by the Ulster Branch as well as its clubs and schools during the season. Each season presents its own problems, issues and challenges and the Branch staff and volunteers deal with these effectively and efficiently. All are to be praised and thanked for their efforts in another very busy and challenging year. The Branch Committee is again very appreciative of the work our four representatives on the IRFU Committee - Gerry Drennan, Ian McIlrath, John Robinson and Gordon Hamilton. The role of an IRFU representative is demanding and we are appreciative of the time and commitment that these representatives give on our behalf. The Branch’s thanks are also due to the Officers of the Branch and the Chairmen and members of the various Committees and Working Parties. Again, these roles require a significant commitment both in terms of effort and time, and the Branch is very appreciative of the

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