Remarks by President McAleese at a reception In Áras an Uachtaráin on Friday, 29 January, 1999
Remarks by President McAleese at a reception To honour the hosting of the European Rugby Championship Final
I would like to warmly welcome the teams from Ulster and Colomiers on this historic occasion to Áras an Uachtaráin. I am delighted to be able to offer this reception for you and indeed we can thank Ulster for qualifying for the final and thus providing us with the opportunity for the get-together.
- While I take great pleasure in meeting both teams, I am sure no one will begrudge me the feeling of special delight that Ulster have come through with such style and panache to the final, the first Irish team to achieve this
- It is an exciting period for rugby – we have tomorrow’s final, the Five Nations Championships commencing next Saturday and the World Championships in October. Tomorrow’s game is the beginning of many encounters between French and Irish Rugby, with our National teams playing next weekend in Dublin. I hope that it will be a sporting and enjoyable time for teams and spectators alike.
- Rugby traditionally, through the Five Nations Championships, has helped forge bonds of close and lasting friendships between players, officials and fans over the years. The European Rugby Championships adds a further dimension to these links as it brings a closer sense of involvement between clubs and teams and the communities which they represent. I am sure and I trust that all the “ententes” will be “cordiales”.
- What both the Ulster and Colomiers teams have achieved is momentous – successes that have gone beyond the confines of your own provinces and quite deservedly have been saluted in national and indeed international contexts.
- Both of you have brought honour and glory to your country and your regions through your marvellous exploits on the playing field. It is right and fitting that we honour your achievement here this evening and that we support you in your unstinting labours in pursuit of excellence in your chosen sport.
- Tomorrow’s encounter will no doubt be a wonderful spectacle for the capacity crowd of 49,000 which I understand represents another record! I have no doubt it will be another memorable occasion in the long and colourful history of Lansdowne Road. Hopefully the weather will be kind enough to allow both teams to play to their full potential.
- I wish both teams well and hopefully at the final whistle, regardless of the result, you will be able to say that you have performed to the very best of your ability.
- Bon chance aux deux équipes et bonne soirée à tous!