In Pics: AIB Club International Launch
Click here for photos and quotes from Tuesday’s AIB Club International Launch at the AIB Bank Centre in Dublin.
Pictured above: (left-right) Clontarf scrum half Fiach O’Loughlin, Thomas Magner (AIB Representative), Ireland Club team manager Mick Galwey and Ireland Club team number 8 and captain David Quinlan (Buccaneers) at the launch of the AIB Club International (Ireland v Scotland, Donnybrook, Friday, March 10, kick-off 7.35pm (live RTE TWO).
Speaking at the media conference, Ireland Club team manager Mick Galwey explained the player selection process: “It’s a unique competition. It wasn’t like picking an Irish team. We had to look at every club. In October, every club was contacted and they nominated players. We had a lot of people working very hard on this. The standard was very high and there were a lot of tight calls, but we feel the team we have selected is the best team available.”
The former Munster, Ireland and Lions lock added: “We don’t know a lot about the Scottish, but at the same time, they won’t know much about us either. That’s part of the excitement of the whole thing. So we just have to concentrate on getting our own game right over the next week or so and work on our own strengths.
“Given that a lot of our players have never played together before – the most important thing is that we sort out our own game.”
Ireland Club team players Fiach O’Loughlin, David Quinlan and Marc Warburton (Dublin University) pose with Rhoda McDonagh (AIB Sponsorship). Quinlan, who signed for Buccaneers last summer having won three AIB League titles with Shannon, spoke afterwards of his appointment as Ireland Club team captain. The former Ireland Youths and Colleges international said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be asked to lead this team – especially so since it’s a very good side. We spent two weekends of trials in Dublin recently and it was very tough. Guys were very committed, you could see they really wanted to make the team, so it is a real honour to make it and be part of the first club international.”
Tickets for the game will be available for purchase at the gate and are priced at 15 (stand), 10 (terrace) and 5 for school children.
**All photos by Billy Stickland of Inpho Photography**