News

Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA and IFA | Did you know?

6th October 2023
As Ulster Rugby prepares to play a historic Bank of Ireland friendly match at the home of Cavan GAA in Kingspan Breffni, the occasion is just one of the initiatives in an ongoing cross-community sporting partnership between the Governing Bodies.

Here are just a few examples of the joint work that has taken place recently between Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA and the IFA, with the common goal of bringing communities together across Northern Ireland and making memories through sport.

A Game of Three Halves

This initiative provides the opportunity for children from all backgrounds across the province to experience Rugby, Gaelic and Football in a safe and safe environment. The scheme was met with positive feedback from all involved.

Dan Carson, Ulster Rugby's Community Sports Development Officer, said "It's great from a community development point of view to get children mixing at such a young age so that it becomes the norm. Also, from a sport development view, we always encourage young kids to get involved in as many sports as possible as it can provide so many transferrable skills."

An Inclusive Game of Three Halves

Following the same model, it was important to bring the same initiative for those with disabilities. In July, Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA and the IFA took part in an inclusive game of three halves. The three teams, Coleraine Strikers, Ballymena Bears and Derry GAA for All, all took part.

The evening aimed to give those taking part a fun time in a new sport but also to provide volunteers from each club with training and guidance to develop their coaching.

Sports Inspire Awards

Young sports volunteers from across Ulster took centre stage earlier this year at Belfast City Hall to receive their Sports Inspire Awards.

The event was organised jointly by the Irish Football Association, Ulster Rugby and Ulster GAA to celebrate young people volunteering in Sport, supported by DfC and the Community Foundation.

Young sports volunteers from all three sports packed into the main hall at Belfast City Hall, all donning their club colours and crests with pride. BBC NI Sports Correspondent Thomas Niblock oversaw proceedings which heard from three young outstanding volunteers making a real difference within their club and community.

Rachel Armstrong from Clogher Valley RFC highlighted that playing sport wasn’t an option for all young people but that should not put off young non-players from being involved in sport.

Rachel plays a key role in her club as a Public Relations Officer, working in communication to promote her club and attract new members. Her story highlighted that there really is something for everyone in sport.

For more on the awards night check out the story and the video below.

Ulster player challenge

Ulster's Senior Men's players, Andy Warwick, Jake Flannery and Cormac Izuchukwu all tried their hand at a multi-sport challenge of Rugby, Gaelic and Hurling. Find out below who did the best and whose game needs a bit of work!