Ulster Rugby vs Barbarians

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEER STEWARDS This season marks the end of the Ulster Branch voluntary stewards at Kingspan Stadium and we would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have given freely of their time to volunteer at the old Ravenhill and now Kingspan Stadium over the years, helping us to provide the best possible experience for our match day visitors.

We must recognise the last two volunteer stewards; Alan Willis and Ed Barton, who, after 9 and 24 years of service respectively, hung up their hi-vis jackets after the Leinster game on Saturday 6th May. Ed recalls the days gone by and the leadership of their Chief Steward at the time Jack Moon. He remembers taking orange segments onto the pitch at half time while the players remained huddled on the pitch, a far cry from the protocols of today. Before the game became professional, all games at Ravenhill were overseen by 20 to 30 volunteer stewards. Their duties included the checking of tickets, supervision of car parking, stewarding

the VIP area and changing rooms, being of assistance to the players and to the general public. As the game turned professional and the stadium developed, circumstances and legislation changed to require a professional stewarding outfit where there can now be upwards of 200 personnel ensuring the safe and enjoyable organisation of match days. However, we would like to thank all those who faithfully served over the years for their contribution and dedication to the game of rugby in Ulster and to the Ulster Branch. Thank you!

THANK YOU

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