AON Lunch – Commemorating 40 Years of the IRFU Charitable Trust
To mark the 40th anniversary of the IRFU Charitable Trust, 27 of our 35 seriously injured players joined over 300 guests including supporters of the Trust, Volunteers, Committee Members; including the Trust Chairman John Callaghan and IRFU President Ian McIlrath; and NZRFU President Maurice Trapp, at this year’s annual AON Lunch. The lunch was held in the Ballsbridge Hotel on Friday 16th November and special guests included New Zealand and Munster rugby legend Doug Howlett, legends in the making Sonny Bill Williams and Robbie Henshaw; as well as our very own Ulster, Ireland and Lions legend Tommy Bowe. Watch the interview of these four legends by Jim Neilly clicking here.
A very special and emotional speech was made by Ollie Campbell who shared incredible and heartfelt stories about every single one of our injured players, those still with us and those who have departed this world. A standing ovation was not just given for Ollie’s speech but for all the injured players and their extraordinary lives including the 27 who were with us on the day.
Craig McMillan, one of our seriously injured players, was interviewed by Jim Neilly. Listen to Craig’s story by clicking here.
The family of Nevin Spence were presented with an Ulster jersey signed by Ulster players and was the last jersey signed by Nevin before his tragic passing.
Thanks to all the staff and management at the Ballsbridge Hotel for hosting this worthy event as well as the very special musical treat “The Dean Martin Tribute Show” by Adrian Cullen. A special thanks to all who sponsored and supported the event including the very generous prizes.
Many of those attending the lunch including many of our injured players had even more to commemorate the following day as Ireland made history defeating the All Blacks on Irish soil for the very first time!
