Ulster Rugby v Glasgow

Teddy bears are seen as cuddly and friendly, and we do like to bring a little laughter and some kindly comfort to everyday life. WHEN I BECAME THE NORM

But in 2000 I was far from feeling as happy as I wanted to be, I was really down-in-the-mouth as I lay unloved, often unseen, in the corner of a Belfast store. I nibbled unhappily away at any crumbs which fell to earth from the counter above me. I was feeling sorry for myself, I admit it. I wanted to make friends, lots of them, but I was spending too much time feeling sorry for myself. Little did I know that my mood and my Teddy life was about to change so completely, that I was – quite literally – soon to meet thousands of new and noisy friends, young and old. I owe all the good times of the last 18 years to the man who picked me up, dusted me down and became my dearest friend. Norman Pollock enjoyed his nights out at what was then Ravenhill, helping out as a steward when Ulster – newly-crowned European Cup winners – played what was, back then, just a handful of games each season. Norman told me that he’d been to Old Trafford and was entertained and amused by the Manchester United Red Devil mascot, which got the supporters singing and chanting and helped make the trip to the stadium a great experience. Norman mentioned the Red Devil in the corridors of power at Ulster and the late, great Scott Gardiner was really impressed by the idea, thinking fans of the rugby side would really like its own mascot, a real cheerleader for the team.

What a night! Norman really got me and the fans ‘going’, and all the players shook my hand as they took the field – Sparky has been up close and personal with generations of Ulster players and, most important of all, supporters. Nowadays we have a great new Kingspan Stadium and we’re as well looked after as anyone, but Norman and I often look back with real warmth to the days and nights at the drafty, concrete ground that was Ravenhill. Over the years we’ve been busy as the Celtic League was born; now it’s the PRO14, and with Europe and the friendlies those six-matches-a- season days of 2000 have been replaced with busy times almost every other week. Normans and I have witnessed great wins, which we celebrated in real style with supporters, and I'll always have a special place in my heart for the happy Sunday afternoon when we beat Leicester 33-0! Together, as Sparky, we clambered over bus tops, got the fans singing and chanting, it was great. And each game has created wonderful memories, rousing all parts of Kingspan Stadium to ‘Stand Up for the Ulstermen’. We get photographs taken with the youngsters – of all ages! – and lots of charities have asked Sparky to come along and help raise vital money, and spirits. Norman has taken me to Twickenham for a European Cup Final, and we’ve travelled with the squad to Italy, and enjoyed trips to the Aviva and to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. It’s been a ‘blast’, and Norman is the youngest 63-year-old I know, still full of energy and enthusiasm which has made me, once such a sad, crumpled teddy, feel so worthwhile. He’s decided that he wants to allow some others to keep Sparky company, and I am going to miss him so much. Though he’s a Malone Rugby Club member he loves the sport (forgive me Norm!) and he’s going to support Ulster from the terraces and the stands at Kingspan Stadium. He told me he has other friends he’ll spend time with, and he’ll always stay in touch with me. Norman Pollock, thank you, you’ve been an inspiration to hordes of fans and players. And to me. Sparky snuggled up and whispered his teary Teddy ‘goodbye’ to Norman with Rod Nawn.

PLAYER INTERVIEW: SPARKY That’s when I came to life, that’s when Scotty christened me ‘Sparky’. Norman Pollock’s idea was enthusiastically embraced and the then Ulster Branch President – the very cuddly Neil Jackson – and his friends told him that he was to zip himself into my furry skin and become my closest mate for the last 18 years!

Norman is one for a bit of ‘craic’ and though he had a busy business in Belmont to run he thought he’d give his new ‘suit’ an outing. After all, it was only for that one late-season game! So, a beautiful friendship began, and before bouncing out on to the pitch pre-match Justin Fitzpatrick’s spare shirt and shorts were purloined, coach Harry Williams grasped a pair of scissors to create a space for my little chubby tail! David Humphreys was keen to help, if that’s the right word, and somehow Norman and I made our debut as Sparky, not knowing what reaction we’d get from surprised supporters.

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