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www.
ULSTERRUGBY
.com
IRFU
ULSTER BRANCH
2016/17
OFFICERS
John McKibbin
President
Graffin Parke
Senior Vice President
Stephen Elliott
Junior Vice President
Denis Gardiner
Honorary Secretary
Michael Boyd
Honorary Treasurer
Greg Irwin
Competitions Secretary
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Shane Logan
Chief Executive
Chris Webster
Domestic Rugby Manager
Audrey Robinson
Financial Controller
Fiona Hampton
Head of Sales & Marketing
Les Kiss
Director of Rugby
Kingspan Stadium,
134 Mount Merrion Avenue
Belfast, BT6 0FT
T +44 (0)28 9049 3222
ulsterrugby.comIn particular I am pleased to welcome Munster President Gerry O’Shea
and the Munster team and officials.
Tonight’s opponents, Munster, have been through a traumatic time
following the tragic death of Anthony Foley in Paris two weeks ago. A
lot has been written about Axel since – suffice to say that Munster and
Ireland have lost a legend at far too young an age. Axel achieved much
in his playing and coaching career and he, more than any, epitomised
the spirit and passion that is Munster Rugby. He will be sorely missed,
particularly by his wife Olive, sons Tony and Dan and the family circle.
The thoughts and prayers of all in Ulster Rugby are with them and
our colleagues and friends from Munster. I had the privilege to attend
Anthony’s funeral service in Killaloe last week and anyone who heard the
heartfelt eulogy by Olive in a church, where the atmosphere was one of
raw emotion, could not help but be moved. To give such a eulogy when
in such grief was a brave and courageous decision but, as one would
expect from a Foley, it was superbly delivered.
It was also a very brave decision by Munster to agree to play their
European Champions Cup match against Glasgow last week, one week
after Axel’s death. There will be no better tribute to Anthony Foley’s
memory than the superb performance and victory that the Munster
team delivered over Glasgow.
It is also fitting that we also have as our guests tonight a team from St.
Munchin’s College, Limerick, which is Anthony Foley’s old school. Their
players and coaches are very welcome.
Ulster, as a mark of respect, are erecting a plaque commemorating
Anthony Foley in the away dressing room in Kingspan Stadium. This is
a reciprocal gesture as Munster erected a plaque in the away dressing
room in Thomond Park four years ago to commemorate Nevin Spence.
That said, sentiment and sympathies will be set aside once the game
starts – it is an inter-pro after all - and I have no doubt that it will be a
full blooded battle from start to finish.
Finally, I hope everyone enjoys the game tonight as well as the facilities
at Kingspan Stadium and remember - “Stand Up For The Ulstermen”.
John McKibbin
President IRFU (Ulster Branch)
It gives me great pleasure as President of the IRFU
Ulster Branch to welcome everyone to Kingspan
Stadium for this evening’s Round 7 match in the
Guinness PRO12 Championship.
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME