8 / 72
diligence throughout the season. They work tirelessly
to ensure Ulster Rugby, both the Professional and
Domestic game, is run smoothly week in, week out and
is developed going forward and, in particular, in non-
traditional areas. I would like in particular to personally
thank Shane and Chris Webster for all the briefings and
advice that they gave to me throughout the season.
On my visits to the schools and clubs throughout the
Province I have witnessed the sheer enthusiasm and
passion for the game of rugby football that exists. The
wellbeing of our great game depends so much on
these volunteers who give up their time and put in a
tremendous amount of work. This year the Ulster Branch
has recognised the value of volunteers by introducing
a Volunteers Award Scheme and it was my pleasure
to present the first of these award winners with their
trophies at the Leinster game at the end of the season.
I would like to congratulate everyone playing the
game and particularly to those teams who have won
a competition, whether it is a league of a cup this
season. I feel however that it would be remiss of me if I
did not mention two historical feats in domestic rugby.
Firstly, RBAI retained the Schools Cup and by doing so
were the first school to complete the “double” i.e. they
won both the Schools Cup and the Medallion Shield
in consecutive years. In addition, they also won the
Second XV and Third XV Cups completing the grand
slam.
Secondly, Bangor RFC had an outstanding season.
They collected the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, the
Powerade Towns Cup, the Kukri Qualifying League 1
title and the Conference League 1 title. They followed
this up by winning the AIL Round Robin play-offs
securing a return to Senior rugby and I congratulate
them on a magnificent season.
I wish to pay tribute to the essential contribution that our
referees make to the game. The USRFR members and
affiliated referees do a very lonely job away from their
home club every week. Without them we would not have
a game and I am very appreciative of their service and
dedication. I also applaud the work of the Disciplinary
Committee who are imposing heavy sentences for
referee abuse. There is no place in our game for bullying
and to my mind referee abuse is a form of bullying.
Our supporters also deserve a great big thank you. The
supporters at Kingspan are the most dedicated in the
PRO 12 with an average home gate of some 15,500 this
season and 10,500 season tickets sold.
Each season Ulster Rugby selects a charity partner
in addition to our continued support for the IRFU
Charitable Trust. This season the charity partner was
The Alzheimer’s Society and I am delighted that we
have been able to support them “Leading the Fight
against Dementia.”
I would like to thank Maeve Bogie for the tremendous
support and help that she gave me throughout the
year. I would also like to thank my wife Valerie who
provided me with great support and my family for their
understanding they have given me during the season.
Finally I want to wish John McKibbin and Moira every
success and enjoyment in his year of office next
season.
6
6