MatchDay Function A Great Success
It was the final game of the GUINNESS Series and it was as tough a game as you would expect. The highlight for many Supporters Club members was the chance to meet and mingle before and after the game at the Supporters Club MatchDay Function in the Canal Room.
Five hundred members and guests gathered in the Canal Room on Saturday afternoon before and after the Ireland v Argentina match, the last of the GUINNESS Series 2008.
It was a chance to meet other members, put faces to names from the forum and generally get warmed up – both before and after the match.
IRFU stickers on their cheerful faces, bodhrans and banners in hand, the supporters took to the stands for what proved to be one of the toughest matches many are likely to witness.
It is never pretty when Ireland meet Argentina but the key goal of cementing our IRB World Ranking of eighth was secured.
The highlight of the day came after the game with a number of interviews. First up were the mascots who were interviewed by our MC for the evening Paul Collins of Today FM.
Then we were joined by three of the players – Marcus Horan, Luke Fitzgerald and Tomas O’Leary.
While our MC was keen to pick up on any interprovincial rivalry, the players stuck to their guns. Marcus received a huge cheer when he stated, ‘When we play for Ireland, it should not matter where we are from or what club we play for. We want to play and win for Ireland and that is all that counts.’
All three of the players stressed how difficult a game it had been, the very physical nature of the opposition and their relief in getting the result that was required.
While Marcus had to dash off after to attend a press conference, both Luke and Tomas were happy to sign some autographs and pose with fans.
On behalf of the club we would like to thank the Hospitality Partnership and the team on the ground on the day who made the event so easy to run and also to thank all those members who attended.
If you have any images of the event feel free to email them to: barry.cunningham@irfu.ie