Ulster Rugby Annual Report

I wish to thank all those who have served on the Management, Branch and Clubs Committees as well as the various sub-committees of the Branch throughout the season. I also thank all of the Branch Officers, Denis Gardiner, Michael Boyd and Greg Irwin, who dedicate so much of their time to the roles which they fulfil. Also thanks to our new Chief Executive, Jonny Petrie and his staff, particularly Maeve Bogie, who has been a great help to me, and I wish her a long and happy retirement. Special thanks go to my predecessors John McKibbin and Graffin Parke for showing me the ropes and to my two Vice-Presidents, Gary Leslie and Philip Gregg, for their companionship, advice and assistance in filling in for me at matches and Club functions. My gratitude to all Ulster fans who loyally support the team, both home and away. Finally thanks to my wife Heather and my family for their support throughout what has been a very busy year. My best wishes to my successor Gary Leslie and wife Dawn for a successful and enjoyable season. Stephen Elliott President IRFU (Ulster Branch)

It was a good year in general for Ulster Clubs and congratulations to Ballynahinch and Rainey on their promotions in the AIL. Ballynahinch did the double by winning the SONI League and Armagh retained the Senior Cup. Well done also to Enniskillen in winning the Town’s Cup for the first time since 1937, to Dromore in lifting the Junior Cup and to Grosvenor for their success in the McCrea Cup. The Championship was won by Instonians and Armagh reached the final of the All Ireland Bateman Cup. In the Women’s competitions, Malone achieved the League and Cup double with Cooke winning the Rosie Stewart Cup. Methodist College Belfast celebrated their Centenary Season by winning both the Schools’ Cup and the Medallion Shield together with the 2nd and 3rd XV competitions. Enniskillen Royal Grammar School won the Girls X 7s Senior Cup. In Youth Rugby, finals day at the Kingspan was another great day out with Banbridge, Armagh and Belfast Metropolitan College winning the various age-grade trophies. Our charity partnership with Include Youth continued throughout the season to the mutual benefit of the charity and Ulster Rugby. I am delighted that the young people supported by Include Youth have benefitted throughout our three year association.

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IRFU ULSTER BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19