Heineken Cup Winners Make Hospital Visits

Some of Leinster’s Heineken Cup-winning squad took time out to make surprise visits to Temple Street and Crumlin Children’s hospitals on Tuesday to show off the silverware they garnered in Edinburgh.

Leinster captain Leo Cullen was joined by Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Bernard Jackman, Sean O’Brien and Jonathan Sexton as some of the squad signed autographs, posed for photos and shared stories in the aftermath of Saturday’s famous win.

Paying tribute to the patients, staff and families, Cullen said: “It is great to finally have a few days off and get out to talk to some of our supporters in Temple Street and Crumlin and thank them for inspiring us to glory on Saturday.

“There have been a lot of plaudits lavished on the team in the aftermath of the victory over Leicester, which are obviously very nice to read and hear, but the real heroes are those who live with illness and injury and the families who support them.

“The staff in both hospitals were hugely welcoming and they also give so much time and dedication to alleviate the plight of those who are unwell.

“This visit was as much a thank you to them as it was for the children.

“It is a huge honour and incredibly humbling for the team to represent all of our supporters, young and old.

“We look forward to visiting as many clubs and schools as possible with the trophy over the coming months.”