19/04/02.After consultation with both Division 3 finalists – Connemara and Dublin University – the IRFU, in conjunction with sponsors AIB, have announced arrangements for the finals.
For the first time in the history of the AIB League – all three divisions will have a final – all played in Lansdowne Road – and around which many exciting marketing initiatives are being implemented.
The action starts on Sunday, April 28th when Connemara take on Dublin University in the first ever Division 3 Final (2.30 pm), while the Divisions
1 and 2 finalists will share their moment in the spotlight the following weekend on May 4th. With Cork Constitution and Shannon coming head to head – two former AIB League winners – it will be an intriguing Division 1 final (4 pm), preceded by the equally attractive Division 2 clash of Belfast
Harlequins and UL Bohemians (2 pm).
In addition to the action on the main pitch, AIB and the IRFU have organised
a range of family orientated activities, ensuring a festival-like
atmosphere, on the back pitch, for May 4th, featuring:
7 A children’s entertainment area including bouncy castles
7 Face painters and stilt walkers,br>7 Public catering facilities
7 Live Music
7 Outdoor refreshment area.
Another initiative aimed at increasing the attraction of the AIB finals is the introduction of a “bus cash back travel scheme”, whereby groups or clubs can, through their Provincial Branch office, have free coach transport to
and from the game depending on numbers travelling.
Further good value is also underlined in admission price structures, which offer ticket prices of 5 for adults and 2 for schoolchildren for the Division 3 final and 20 family ticket (2 adults and 4 children); 12 adult (stand), 5 adult (terrace) and 2 schoolchildren for the bumper Division 1
and 2 double header.
AIB are also marketing the games to staff and customers across their branch network through various competitions and incentives. They will also be
ramping up their Pure Rugby’ marketing campaign to promote the finals weekend – this includes TV, press, radio, dart carriages, ad mobiles, and outdoor advertising.
As this is the first season that all three divisions have culminated in
finals, special trophies have been commissioned to mark the occasion. These are being created by renowned Kildare based sculptor Jarlath Daly. The winning clubs will keep the trophies.
Sunday, April 28th – Division 3: Connemara v Dublin University, Lansdowne Road (2.30 p.m.)
Saturday, May 4 – Division 2: Belfast Harlequins v UL Bohemians, Lansdowne Road (2 pm).
*Division 1: Cork Constitution V. Shannon, Lansdowne Road (4.00 p.m.)
*Live on RTE. TV
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