‘Be The Difference’ For Ireland

With only two weeks remaining until the kick off of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship, O2, the official sponsor of the Irish rugby squad, is calling on all supporters to yet again get involved in the ‘Be The Difference’ campaign.  

This year, O2 is giving supporters the unique opportunity to give their words of inspiration to the Irish squad by recording a personalised ‘Team Talk’ that they would give to the players before they enter the pitch.

All that supporters need to do to show their support is log on to www.bethedifference.ie  to record or upload their video.
 
Before each home game during the RBS 6 Nations, the Irish players themselves will select their favourite video. The winning video will be played to the Irish squad before the game and to the 80,000 spectators at Croke Park via the stadium’s big screens, ensuring that each winner can truly be the difference.
 
In addition, every supporter who submits a ‘Team Talk’ will automatically get their name printed on the back of the Irish squad jerseys during one of this year’s games.

Supporters that do not record a video can also get involved by adding their name to the official book of support at www.bethedifference.ie. Every name submitted is in with a chance to appear on the back of one of the Irish players’ jerseys.
 
Commenting prior to the launch of this year’s campaign, Brian O’Driscoll said: “Winning the Grand Slam was a special experience for every member of the Irish squad.

“It was a huge motivation for us each time we took to the pitch, knowing the support we had behind us. Without doubt the supporters made the difference.

“A good team talk is essential for every side and the last minute before taking the field is the most important, so supporters should pick a couple of key points and then give it everything.”
 
Damian Devaney, Marketing Director at O2 Ireland, also said: “It is a matter of huge pride to everyone at O2 Ireland, that the Irish team enters the 2010 RBS 6 Nations as Grand Slam champions. This success could not have been achieved without the determination of the players and the commitment of the supporters.

“This year ‘Be The Difference’ will take these supporters one step closer to the team. All those that record a ‘Team Talk’ will get the opportunity to have their words of motivation played to the Irish squad and to 80,000 people at Croke Park. This is the chance to truly ‘Be The Difference’ for Ireland.”

‘Be The Difference’ was a massive success in 2009, giving more than 21,000 supporters the chance to take to the field with the Irish squad. A book of support was also presented to the players before the Grand Slam decider against Wales, with the names of all 75,000 people that pledged their support contained on its pages. 2010 gives supporters an even bigger chance to get behind Declan Kidney’s side.
 
A ‘Be The Difference’ tour also kicked off last Friday evening at Thomond Park and will travel the country in the coming weeks, taking in O2 stores around Ireland.

The tour will give supporters the chance to record their ‘Team Talk’ in a specially designed ‘Be The Difference’ mobile changing room.
 
For more information on how to record your ‘Team Talk’, to sign up for a chance to be included on the Irish squad’s jerseys or for further details on the campaign, log on to www.bethedifference.ie.