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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
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
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IRFU ULSTER BRANCH
ANNUAL REPORT & STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2016/17