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On behalf of Connacht Rugby, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this afternoon’s Round 1 Men's Junior Interprovincial match between Connacht Juniors, sponsored by Aerogen, and Leinster Juniors.

Junior Interprovincial matches between the four provinces are rarely just about the result; they are about pride, tradition, and the deep-rooted community ties that makes the Junior Interprovincial championship so special.

I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Ballyhaunis RFC for hosting today's Round 1 match. A match like this doesn’t happen without the tireless work of volunteers. To the committees, coaches, and ground staff of both sides, and to our own Connacht Rugby staff, thank you for your dedication to the sport. 

Thank you as always to our sponsors, Aerogen as well as Elverys and O'Hehirs. 

Finally, to the players: enjoy every moment. Junior Interprovincials are rare and hard-earned. Play with the spirit and integrity that defines our game.

To all the families joining us today, and to every supporter in the stands, thank you for your continued passion. Let’s get behind the teams and enjoy a fantastic day of rugby.

Robert Lahiff

President, Connacht Rugby

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A word from Head of Club and Community, Joe Gorham

Junior Interprovincial match days are the pinnacle of our Club players’ ambitions and are memorable occasions for all concerned which, undoubtedly, will be a source of conversation with your teammates in the many years ahead.

The sport of rugby allows for all our players to realise the limits of their ambitions, it allows us to create lifelong memories, however, most importantly, it is the maker of lifelong friendships. 

There is no better feeling than to lift a Cup, Plate or Bowl alongside your teammates while representing your club or school. It is all about People and Place.

Sport also reflects life, in that, with every cup final there must be a winner and a loser. Regardless of winning or losing, the hope is that everyone involved in the Junior Interpros will have a quality experience.

On Interpro Days, we must never forget the huge amount of work and personal sacrifice put in by all the Volunteers, Coaches and Managers to get you to this day. Volunteers are the life-blood of our sport and it would be remiss of me not to say a huge thank you to each and every Club & School Volunteer for the magical work you put in day in and day out for the cause that is rugby.

Finally, we at Club & Community rugby wish all our players and their loyal supporters the very best of luck on the day.

Connacht Abú.