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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 the Clermont Auvergne team along
with their coaches, Directors and supporters.
Clermont Auvergne has been having an excellent season and are currently
top of the French Top 14 League, as well as top of our European group
and will no doubt provide a stern test for the Ulster team tonight. The
Ulster team got back to winning ways last weekend with an excellent
bonus point victory in Cardiff and hopefully will carry that form into today’s
game.
I must say farewell to two Ulster stalwarts. Dan Tuohy, who is going back
home to play for Bristol, and Assistant Coach Joe Barakat who is returning
to his native Australia to take up the position as Senior Assistant Coach at
Western Force. Both have made a great contribution to Ulster Rugby and
we wish them well in their new roles.
The Ireland team and management are to be congratulated on an excellent
Guinness Autumn Series with 3 wins out of 4 including that great win
over New Zealand in Chicago. Congratulations go to Rory Best, Jared
Payne, Andrew Trimble, Iain Henderson, Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall
and Craig Gilroy, all of whom played in the Autumn Series games. Special
congratulations go to Rory Best on winning his 100th cap for Ireland – a
tremendous achievement.
On the domestic rugby front, Ballynahinch and Dungannon are to be
congratulated on getting through to the First Trust Senior Cup Final.
Congratulations also go to Omagh and Ballynahinch 2nds, who are
through to the final of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, and to Clogher
Valley who are through to the All Ireland Junior Cup semi-final.
I would also encourage all Ulster Rugby fans to get involved with our
Christmas Present Appeal, which is a joint initiative with our charity
partner, Include Youth. This charity supports 500 young people from
disadvantaged communities throughout the Province and looks to help
them move into training or employment. Fans are encouraged to donate a
present to make sure the young people that Include Youth work with, who
often live in children’s homes or residential care, receive a special gift this
Christmas. Donations of Christmas presents can be made at reception in
the main administration building.
Ulster Rugby, in conjunction with Slim’s Kitchen and Include Youth, have
also launched the first ever Ulster Rugby Charity Recipe Book. This book
will make a great Christmas present and fans are encouraged to purchase
a copy for £5. All proceeds will go to our charity partner.
Finally, it was with great sadness that Ulster Rugby learnt of the passing
of Jamie Donaldson last week. Jamie was an ardent and passionate
supporter of Ulster Rugby who, even with his disability, rarely missed a
game, whether home or away and who had built up a special relationship
with the players. He will be sadly missed and the condolences of all at
Ulster Rugby go to his parents and the family circle.
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 3 match in the European
Champions Cup.
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME