An Ghaeltacht Lead List Of Ulster Bank RugbyForce Winners

The An Ghaeltacht club from Carraroe, County Galway have been announced as the overall winners of Ulster Bank RugbyForce, receiving a support package worth 10,000 euro and a training session with an IRFU coach and two Ireland rugby stars.

Four additional clubs – Gort RFC in Galway, Portarlington RFC in Laois, Skibbereen RFC in Cork and Armagh RFC – have also been chosen as provincial winners, each receiving a €;5,000 support package.

Speaking today, Cian de Buitléar, secretary of An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí, said: “This is a fantastic boost – not only for our club but for everyone in An Ghaeltacht. Our rugby club is a small operation but a big part of our community.

“Finding funding to maintain our pitch and facilities is not always easy but the Ulster Bank RugbyForce support package will go a long way in helping us to build our club and our team – in turn, building a great asset for our important community.”

Ulster Bank RugbyForce gives rugby clubs the opportunity to win support packages to renovate their club and upgrade their facilities.

The winning clubs then host a planned ‘Ulster Bank RugbyForce weekend’ which is designed to bring the community together to get behind their club.

Ulster Bank runs the initiative as part of their Official Community Rugby Partnership with the IRFU and this year, over 135 clubs entered Ulster Bank RugbyForce. Since the initiative began in 2010, over €;130,000 has been awarded to 165 clubs.

With the support of the Ulster Bank RugbyForce funding, An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí plan to carry out essential works on their training pitch, purchase training equipment and help to develop the club’s mini rugby teams.

The funding will also go towards the organisation of the club’s annual ‘Conamara Rugby Blitz’, which sees over 400 children from across the country travel to An Ghaeltacht.

Speaking about An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí and Ulster Bank RugbyForce, Ellvena Graham, Head of Ulster Bank NI & Managing Director of SME Banking, said: “An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí embodies what club rugby is all about. The club brings a focal point and pride to their community.

“An initiative like Ulster Bank RugbyForce is so important for the development of Irish rugby. There are young players across the country right now, who will one day wear a green jersey and play for their country.

“Supporting grassroots rugby today will benefit Irish rugby tomorrow and thankfully, Ulster Bank RugbyForce does just that. An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí are very deserving winners and I wish them every success.”

For further information on Ulster Bank RugbyForce and all of Ulster Bank’s rugby initiatives, please visit www.ulsterbank.com/rugby.