Ulster's season reaches an exciting finale with the BKT URC play-off stages approaching in the form of a home quarter final against Connacht next week. Ahead of the crunch week, Ulster season ticket holders were invited along to the Fans Forum at Kingspan Stadium to discuss the season and to hear from Dan McFarland, Rob Herring and Craig Gilroy
Pete Snodden, Cool FM presenter and host for the evening welcomed the attendees in the A and L Goodbody lounge and he began by asking Dan McFarland about his overall review on the season to date.
Highlighting the second place finish in the URC and how the squad bounced back from a mid-season dip in form, Dan says that on reflection he is very proud of his side's efforts.
" It's been our best BKT URC season to date, throw in the South African sides into the mix and our second place finish is testament to what the guys have delivered. We have pushed on and I feel this year has been a big step forward. "
Dan highlighted the improvements made in Ulster's attack during the season.
"We have pushed on and made big steps forward, we finished the season with 75 tries which is a phenomenal jump from the previous season with 49. We have a number of weapons to finish with including our maul tries and you can see the spark returning to our attacking play. We will have to notch it up when we play the best teams in the league."
Dan says that the team are relishing the opportunity to challenge a 'dangerous' Connacht side in the Quarter Final.
" It’s a Quarter Final so they will come hungry and aggressive. They are a fit, hard- working team, they have a good kicking game, Jack Carty kicks more than anyone in league. Our back three has to be spot on against their wingers. They push the boundaries in everything they do."
When asked how optimistic he was about the future beyond this season, Dan said that the combination of exciting talent, current squad and new additions makes for an exciting prospect.
"We'll go into next season with a couple of really good signings. I think Steven Kitshoff is the best loosehead prop in world, a World Cup winner with South Africa and captain of last years URC winning DHL Stormers. Dave Ewers, to be able to attract him from Exeter was fantastic - he will bring multiple carries, physicality and tackling."
Dan was then asked to say a few words about the man next to him, Craig Gilroy, who is bringing down the curtain on a highly successful 13 year stay with the province.
" What can I say about Gilly? Gilly stands for the ultimate 'X factor' player, from when he started, the twinkling feet and the ability to beat people. Playing in back three is hard work, you have to run all day, he loves the province, he gives so much off the pitch and he leaves a legacy behind."
Next up was Rob Herring, who was given a round of applause for his efforts during Ireland's Grand Slam winning 2023 Guinness Six Nations campaign.
The long-serving hooker is in line to equal the all time appearance record of 229 for Ulster against Connacht and he was asked what the upcoming milestone meant to him.
"I came here on a 3 month trial, got a few starts and never looked back! It's never been a focus to get to this milestone, I will look back and be proud but I am focused on making the games count and getting silverware with this club."
Rob was on the scoresheet against England in that famous match at the Aviva Stadium that clinched the Grand Slam for Ireland and he said the celebrations will stick with him for a long time.
"It was special to part of that, I’ll take those memories for the rest of my life. The whole day, the whole week... any Six Nations its always the game against England that you want to win. It was the perfect week and Dan was kind enough to give us time off to celebrate!"
The final speaker of the evening was the Ulster boy who leaves a hero after fulfilling his childhood dream over 200 times.
Craig Gilroy was given a great ovation from the season ticket holders who wanted to pay tribute to the winger, who is leaving Ulster at the end of the season.
When asked how to sum up his emotions at leaving after an entire career spent at Ulster, Gilly said;
"You don’t have much time to stop and reflect during your career. Since I started back when I was 19 it has been an amazing journey. I always wanted to push on, to start for Ulster, play for Ireland, and in the past few number of months I have had a nice time to reflect. The overriding emotion is happiness, we work hard but I feel lucky to look back on fond memories."
So after entertaining fans for 13 years...what was his favourite try?
"Scarlets in 2015, the home crowd was unreal, it was like throwing petrol on fire. The decibel changed from chatter to a roar."
Gilly had a message for the fans for all their support down the years.
" The fans are special, they make Ulster so special. It's more than a team, it's a community and a province. I was blown away with the messages I received over the past while. Being on the wing I am close to the stand, I can feel that chatter and buzz and it's a feeling I will miss."
A poignant note to end on as Ulster look forward to their push for silverware to cap an impressive season.
Ulster face Connacht in the BKT URC Quarter-Finals at Kingspan Stadium on Friday 5th May at 7.35pm.
Tickets can be found at: <https://ulster.rugby/tickets/urc-quarter-final-2023>