ULSTER RUGBY HONOURED AT STORMONT
Players and officials from the Ulster Rugby team were honoured at a reception celebrating their success in winning the Celtic League title.
Welcoming the players, officials and representatives from Ulster Rugby to Parliament Buildings, Sports Minister Maria Eagle said: "It is a great honour to have the Celtic League trophy here in Parliament Buildings this evening. It joins a list of other sporting trophies that have been on display here and further serves to highlight the skill, professionalism, dedication and ability of our sportsmen and women who have excelled at the very highest level of their sport."
The Minister acknowledged that in winning any league a team must remain focussed for the entire season. She reminded guests that in Ulster's case success and glory was achieved in the final minutes of the very last game on an historic night in Cardiff.
"The image of the ball flying between the posts, from the boot of David Humphreys, is one of the great sporting moments in Northern Ireland's illustrious sporting history. Following on from the success in 1999 when the team won the European Cup and in 2003 when they won the Celtic Cup, Cardiff was yet another proud summit for the team."
The Minister highlighted the role played by the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland through the contribution made by four graduates and one current member of the Ulster Academy during the season. She added that this was a great endorsement of the Institute who it is hoped will continue to develop and play a major role in the development of Northern Ireland's sportsmen and women of the future.
Looking to the future Maria Eagle said: "My Department and the Sports Council will continue to work closely with Ulster Rugby in further developing the sport including the fulfilment of plans for the development of Ravenhill Park. This will not only provide increased accommodation for administration but will more importantly enhance the safety and comfort of spectators at future events."
In conclusion the Minister said: "Can I wish the Ulster Team all the best for this year's competition and the defence of their trophy."
[Modificato da jay.ren 19/09/2006 11.10]
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