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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
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
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