Ulster School's Cup Final 2018

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

As President of the IRFU Ulster Branch, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Kingspan Stadium for today’s Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Final between The Royal School Armagh and Campbell College, Belfast. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

In particular, we extend a special welcome to the players from both teams, their coaches, parents and the teaching staff from both schools. As the second oldest cup competition in world rugby, the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup has a proud tradition dating back to 1876 when The Royal School Armagh defeated The Royal Belfast Academical Institution in the maiden final. Indeed, these two schools met in the semi-finals this year with the Armagh team recording a thrilling 26-22 win over ‘Inst’, who were chasing their fourth title in a row. For The Royal School Armagh, today marks a first Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup final appearance since 2004, when they beat today’s opposition, Campbell College, 14-5, to collect their ninth title. For Campbell College, they have gone on to contest three further finals since that 2004 decider, including the 2011 success, which brought their total outright titles to twenty- three, trailing only RBAI and Methodist College on the roll of honour. These two teams have been without doubt the most impressive in this year’s competition, and we are sure they will serve up a treat for all in attendance this afternoon. The Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Final is a special occasion and, for many

of the players on the pitch today, it will be the pinnacle of their rugby careers, while for others, it may be the gateway to greater achievements in the future. Whatever the outcome, I trust that those involved will take away fond and long lasting memories. While the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup is the showpiece competition, a huge amount of time and work goes into organising the numerous schools’ competitions and programmes throughout the year. Our thanks and gratitude are due to the Ulster Schools’ Committee, chaired by Stephen Black, for their commitment, hard work and dedication. Indeed, our thanks are also due to all the schools in Ulster and their staff who are involved in giving so many young players the opportunity to play rugby. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Danske Bank for their continued and generous sponsorship of schools’ rugby in Ulster. This support has been extremely helpful in developing the game at schools’ level and is very much appreciated. Finally, best of luck to both teams and I hope everyone has a very memorable day at Kingspan Stadium. Graffin Parke President, IRFU Ulster Branch

www.danskebankschoolscup.com

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