Saturday’s Heineken Cup game between London Irish and Cardiff Blues witnessed the launch of an exciting partnership between two elite Irish sports organisations.
London Irish support
In a historic collaboration, London Irish Rugby Club aims to raise awareness of Irish Paralympic sport across its fanbase through the following initiatives:
- Match-day introductions to Irish Paralympic athletes
- Athlete profiles and interviews in the website/matchday programme
- Exchange of coaching, sports science and medical support
- Link ups between Irish Paralympic athletes & London Irish players
On-pitch presentation
To mark the occasion, London Irish CEO, Andy Martin welcomed CEO Liam Harbison and reigning Paralympic 800m champion, Michael McKillop onto the pitch at half-time to present a London Irish jersey.
Commenting on the launch, Andy Martin said: “London Irish is immensely proud of and committed to its Irish roots and heritage and so we are delighted to be establishing this collaboration and supporting Paralympics Ireland. We hope to motivate supporters everywhere to get behind the athletes as they push for even greater honours. Both of our teams are highly successful in their respective fields and so we believe that there is much that we can learn from each other.”
Liam Harbison responded: “We’re thrilled to announce this partnership in front of London Irish’s passionate support. The sharing of knowledge between two elite Irish sports organisations will greatly assist Ireland’s Paralympians push to excellence in 2012. We also hope our London-based supporters, like Irish people everywhere, will be inspired to join our journey to the Games.”
Michael McKillop, was interviewed at half-time and was delighted with the big-match atmosphere: “It’s fantastic to get such a great welcome today in Reading. We are so proud to wear the green of Ireland and are grateful to London Irish for their incredible support. Their backing will help spur us to some exceptional performances this summer.”
For all the background to London Irish rugby, please check out their website. Come on the Irish!
