Support #TheBigRugbyRun and #FeedTheHeroes

Please support this worthy cause...

When is the #TheBigRugbyRun?
From 10am on Saturday 9 May 2020

What is the #TheBigRugbyRun?
#TheBigRugbyRun is a virtual charity team relay challenge for current or past teams from rugby clubs, schools or other rugby groups (including supporters clubs, rugby businesses & more) across Ireland.

Who is behind the #TheBigRugbyRun?
#TheBigRugbyRun is being organised by the Advanced Sporting Potential Limited (company number 575120) to support Feed The Heroes .  We are working with existing & new corporate partners for #TheBigRugbyRun Grand Prize Draw, open to all underage teams who participate and raise the minimum team sponsorship target of €50.  #TheBigRugbyRun is free to enter, with 100% of fundraising proceeds going to our Event Charity partner.

How much does #TheBigRugbyRun hope to raise?
We've set an initial fundraising target of €2,000 (min €50 per team taking part) BUT we hope to raise a lot more than that for Feed The Heroes, who are doing trojan work feeding the frontline health workers risking so much to fight for all us during the COVID-19 crisis.

So how can my team get involved in #TheBigRugbyRun?
It's easy - #RunTogetherStayApart. As a team, the challenge is to run the equivalent of a half (21km) or full (42km) marathon distance as a virtual relay, with each participant ideally dressed in your team kit, carrying a rugby ball every step of the way. You can have as many or as few relay runners as you want, made up of players, coaches or supporters. On the day, run your leg & tag your teammate/team/club or shool/@TheBigRugbyRun on social media to pass the virtual relay baton!

How do we sign up for the #TheBigRugbyRun?
Complete the form on #TheBigRugbyRun website to register today and get more details by email, including the #TheBigRugbyRun information pack (also downloadable here  ). 

Are there any rules for #TheBigRugbyRun?
Yes, all participating teams and their members need to strictly adhere to the latest Government social distancing requirements (staying within 5kms of home, only running with others who are self isolating in the same house etc). To download the #TheBigRugbyRun Ts&Cs, click here.

Is there anything else I need to know about #TheBigRugbyRun? 
Yes.  By signing up and donating a minimum of €50 via this #TheBigRugbyRun GoFundMe page, each underage club or school team (U10s-U18s based on IRFU regulations here) will qualify to enter our Grand Prize Draw, which will take place between 13-15 May and will have a range of fantastic prizes to be won from some of the biggest and best brands in Irish sports.

How can I follow #TheBigRugbyRun? 
Like or follow our social media channels below for all the latest news about the #TheBigRugbyRun campaign, including some celebrity teams that we are hoping to have take part on the day!

Facebook           https://www.facebook.com/TheBigRugbyRun 
Twitter                https://twitter.com/TheBigRugbyRun 
Instagram          https://www.instagram.com/thebigrugbyrun/

Leinster Rugby and DEBRA Ireland Announce Champions Cup Mascot

from Leinster Rugby

DEBRA Ireland is the only charity in Ireland that provides hope and support to all patients and their families living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and as one of Leinster Rugby's two charity partners, Saturday afternoon's game against Montpellier is their match day take over and as part of that Leinster Rugby have presented a mascot slot to Debra Ireland.

Jayden Moore-Connors is that mascot and when he steps out with the Leinster Rugby captain for the Champions Cup clash against Montpellier on Saturday, he will be honouring his sister Casey.

Casey Moore-Connors is only five years old. She was born with EB, a rare genetic skin condition that makes her skin extremely delicate. Her skin is as fragile as a butterfly's wing and can be just as easily damaged.

On a daily basis, her body is at war with itself and she is blistered and wounded from head to toe.  She is wrapped in bandages that have to be changed every second day in an excruciating routine that can take up to four hours. What is even more heart-breaking, is that underneath her bandages the same wounds are occurring internally too. 

On Saturday, to honour his sister's bravery and courage, Jayden Moore-Connors will run out with the stars of Leinster Rugby and as an avid Leinster fan, Jayden will also be honouring all those living with EB, including the memory of one brave little boy called Liam Hagan. 

This time last year, Liam Hagan lost his courageous battle with EB and sadly passed away, three weeks before he was due to be a Leinster mascot himself leading Leinster out against Connacht.

Standing on the field cheering Jayden and Leinster on Saturday will be his Mum Rachel, Dad Alan, his Granny and Grandad and of course Casey.

"Little Liam's anniversary was last week, and we all travelled to Monaghan to show our solidarity with the Hagan family,” said Casey's mum Rachel. 

"The EB community is a very tight-knit one, and like Leinster, we all stick together in adversity. I am delighted that Jayden has the chance to highlight this awful disease on such a national stage – he is very close to his sister and sees what she has to go through on a daily basis.”

Debra Ireland will be in attendance at the game and will be handing out EB butterfly tattoos and are asking supporters to wear the butterfly in a show of support for Casey and other families fighting EB.

This year the charity is asking people to join in the butterfly effect, starting with Leinster fans at Saturday's game and stretching right across the province and indeed the country in particular for Debra Ireland's National EB Awareness Week which is taking place from 23-29 October.

"Over the last two seasons we have met some inspiring people through our work with DEBRA Ireland,” explains Leinster and Ireland star Josh van der Flier. "It was a pleasure meeting Casey and her brother Jayden in Leinster HQ a few weeks ago and Casey is such an inspirational little girl. I know Jayden is going to do a great job for us on Saturday as mascot leading the team out and honouring Casey as he does so.

"I know the Leinster supporters will give Jayden and all the family a massive reception and hopefully will help support DEBRA with their tattoos and their bucket collections at the game.”

In addition Leinster have announced that SKY Sports, the broadcaster of the game, will scan the crowd at half time to pick out supporters wearing their butterfly tattoos and there will be spot prizes for five lucky supporters.

"We are so grateful for the incredible support we have received from Leinster Rugby and the Blue Army over the last year,” said Judith Gilsenan of Debra Ireland.

"Their support means so much to all those living with EB. No matter how tough the game is on the pitch, no matter how battered and bruised the players become, they will recover from their injures. Sadly, for a child living with EB, many of their wounds will never heal.

"Saturday is all about EB Awareness and we are asking Leinster fans and people all over the country to wear a butterfly temporary tattoo for all families fighting the battle that is EB.

"Because EB is rare, fewer people have heard of it. We want to create a butterfly effect where small gestures can have larger effects.  We know that with the support from the Blue Army we can make this happen”.

Anyone wishing to support Debra Ireland during their #EBAwarenessWeek is asked to text BUTTERFLY to 50300 to donate €4 and Debra Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25 from every donation.

"With EB every little bit can hurt, but in this case every little butterfly helps, so please show your support and text to make a donation and be part of the #butterflyeffect,” said Judith.

Lewis Moody, Neil Back, Martin Corry and Maggie Alphonsi Launch The Rugby Force 2017

from NatWest RugbyForce

Grassroots initiative from NatWest and England Rugby will see Lewis Moody, Martin Corry, Neil Back and Maggie Alphonsi offer advice and support to rugby clubs as members of The Rugby Force

England rugby legends Lewis Moody, Martin Corry, Neil Back and Maggie Alphonsi have joined Scotland’s Al Kellock and Mike Blair, and Wales’ Tom Shanklin and Stephen Jones to form The Rugby Force – a team of rugby internationals offering grassroots clubs across Britain the chance to receive genuine support and advice at their NatWest RugbyForce weekend celebration on 24^th and 25^th June.

Now in its fifth year, the community initiative run in partnership between NatWest and England Rugby aims to help clubs up and down the country attract new members and to become stronger and more sustainable businesses.

The rugby icons will offer their specific knowledge and expertise in the game to help their selected clubs achieve their development goals in four key areas:  Lewis Moody will be supporting junior rugby, Maggie Alphonsi will be helping her club grow their women’s team, Martin Corry will provide business development support to clubs and Neil Back will be giving coaching support to develop coaching best practice to benefit the whole club’s coaching structure.

Speaking at the launch of NatWest RugbyForce, Neil Back said “I’m really excited to be a coaching ambassador for this year’s NatWest RugbyForce programme. I would have loved my junior club to be presented with this kind of opportunity and I’m keen to pass on my experience to help a club improve the quality of their coaching.”

Maggie Alphonsi said “I’m proud to be part of NatWest RugbyForce this year to help grow and develop women’s rugby at a winning club. Women’s rugby in England has gone from strength to strength and I’m committed to help raise awareness of the game among women and increase participation at the grassroots level.”

To win a member of The Rugby Force at your NatWest RugbyForce weekend celebration, clubs would need to register at www.englandrugby.com/natwestrugbyforce by 11.59pm on 14th May. Clubs who have already registered will automatically be entered for a chance to win.

For full T&Cs, please visit www.englandrugby.com/natwestrugbyforce

Leinster Rugby calls on supporters to run for Debra Ireland in Women's Mini Marathon

from Leinster Rugby

Leinster Rugby supporters that take part in the VHI Women's Mini Marathon are being offered the chance to travel with the team to a Guinness PRO12 away match on a private jet and in doing so, help children with the incredibly painful butterfly skin disease EB (epidermolysis bullosa).

One of Leinster Rugby's charity partners, Debra Ireland, the charity that supports people with EB, is calling for volunteers to sign-up for the Women's Mini Marathon taking place in Dublin on June 5 and to run on behalf of Debra Ireland.

And those volunteers could win a super trip to Leinster's first away game of the 2017/18 Guinness PRO12 season next autumn, including four star hotel accommodation and a private jet trip with the team, courtesy of Joe Walsh Tours.

EB (epidermolysis bullosa) is a genetic condition that causes the skin, both inside and out, to blister and wound at the slightest touch. There is currently no known cure and the only treatment is constant painful bandaging of the skin.

"Last year we lost three of our little superheroes, eight-year-old Liam and babies Éanna and Lola to EB," said Debra Ireland's Judith Gilsenan.

"We want to honour their memories by ensuring that every child with EB gets as much care and support as possible."

Debra is trying to raise vital funds to help children and families with EB by providing day to day family support, nursing expertise and funding research to find a better treatments and possible cures.

"We receive no guaranteed state funding so we rely on people to help us keep our services and vital research going," said Judith.

"We are asking volunteers to sign up for Debra Ireland in the VHI Women's Mini Marathon and raise €100.

"All of our mini marathon volunteers will be entered into a draw for a chance to win this fabulous away trip with the Leinster Rugby team."

To register and receive your Debra Ireland fundraising pack call Lyndsey at Debra Ireland on (01) 412 6924, or register online at www.debraireland.org.

Ireland and England Legends to Play at RDS In Memory of Anthony Foley

Press Release

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Ireland and England Legends Play In Memory of Anthony Foley

Where: RDS Stadium

When: Friday 17^th March 2017, KO 6:00pm

AN IRELAND LEGENDS XV will face England in memory of Anthony Foley in the annual curtain-raiser to the Six Nations clash between the two sides. The exhibition match will take place on Friday, March 17^th at the RDS, on the eve of the potential Grand Slam decider between Ireland and England at the Aviva Stadium.

This St Patrick’s day will mark the ninth time the sides have met with 2017 promising to be the highest ever profile clash with over 2,300 Test caps on display and household names such as Ronan O’Gara, Gordon D’Arcy, Jerry Flannery, Paddy Wallace and Gavin Duffy to name a few lining out for the home side. The England Legends side, boasting 4 World Cup medals, will feature Mike Tindall, Mark Cueto, Ian Balshaw and Jason Leonard and many more. Both Paul O’Connell and his old rival Lawrence Dallaglio will act as waterboys on the day. All in all, this exciting match seems like an excellent opportunity for some rugby union betting.

Speaking on the game Shane Byrne said:

“We started this fixture back in 2008 and it has grown every year, raising over €600,000 for charity. However, this time around the fixture will take on added significance – Anthony played in this game before and I know that he would have loved another crack at the English. They have had the upper hand of late, but we have plenty of Irishmen waiting to take the fight to them for one last time in a green jersey!”

It’s not just rugby legends that will take the field as it has been confirmed that all conversions will be taken by celebrities, from all walks of life.

A post-match dinner will take place at the RDS Concert Hall at 8.00pm. This unique experience offers fans the opportunity to mix and mingle with the players while enjoying a 3 course meal with wine. A lively Q&A will follow discussing the Six Nations, the upcoming Lions Tour and the legacy of the current crop of Irish players. MC’ed by Donal Lenehan the panel will include Paul O’Connell, Mike Tindall & Shane Byrne to name but a few. A table of ten plus match tickets costs €2,000. To book your place please contact Finola Roache at finola@irupa.ie or call 087-7515670

Ticketing Information

Tickets for the legends game are priced from €10 and are available on Ticketmaster.ie

Leinster Rugby & Aware Launch Harbour2Harbour Walk

from Leinster Rugby

Leinster Rugby today helped their charity partner Aware to launch the annual Harbour2Harbour Walk which takes place on St. Patrick's Day, Thursday March 17th and offers a brilliantly enjoyable (and suitably challenging!) alternative for families and friends looking to mark the country's national day. Event sponsor Dublin Port Company are also providing plenty of fun activities at the 'Halfway Hooley'. 
 
Speaking at the launch Luke McGrath, who captained Leinster for last weekend's winning performance against Edinburgh said, "We are delighted to work with Aware and to help them raise awareness of their Harbour2Harbour Walk in what is the 12th year of the event. As rugby players we realise the important link between exercise and mental health, and this is a brilliant way to get your heart pumping and be part of a great day out, supporting a brilliant cause in the process.”
 
The Harbour2Harbour Walk takes participants along the spectacularly scenic Dublin Bay and more than 2,000 people are expected to take part. Walkers can choose to walk the 26km/16.2mile route starting in Howth Harbour and walking to Dun Laoghaire Harbour or starting at Dun Laoghaire Harbour and walking to Howth. The walks kick off @ 10.30am on the day.  
 
Dublin Port Company is sponsoring the Dublin event for the third year running and will again provide a fun-filled 'halfway hooley' at Berth 18, close to the Thomas Clarke (toll) bridge in the capital.

Eamonn O'Reilly, CEO of Dublin Port Company said, "The Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk showcases the exceptional beauty of Dublin Bay and the Port itself, something which we should all be very proud of. Berth 18 was a very welcome stop-off last year for the event and I think it will be the same this year as people reach the halfway point. We are delighted to help Aware make this a really enjoyable event to be part of and look forward to welcoming people to the Port on the day.”
 
Online registration for the Harbour2Harbour Walk is now available on aware.ie. Participants are also encouraged to raise further sponsorship from colleagues, friends and family, with all funds raised going to Aware's nationwide depression support, education and information services. Aware also provides extensive services throughout Dublin and more information is available on the website. The Aware Harbour2Harbour Walk 2017 is proudly supported by Dublin Port Company and 98FM (Dublin).

Bright Lights Tag Festival on April 29th for Aware & Pieta House

Bright Lights Tag festival is a new pre-summer season tag festival established with the aim of raising awareness and donations for both Aware and Pieta House. 

Bipolar disorder, depression and suicide are effecting more and more families and following the sad and unexpected passing of our close friend Stephen Lucey in December 2016, a group of his friends wanted to raise awareness and help others in similar circumstances.

Why Bright Lights Tag? Anyone that knew Stephen, knows how bright a light he was in all our lives. He was also a huge rugby fan. Bright Lights is our way on honouring him and raising awareness. 

Come along, play some tag, have some fun and help these two great charities!! 

We are now inviting Teams to register online here

The Bright Lights Tag Festival is on the 29th April 2017 in Blackrock College RFC, Stradbrook Road, Blackrock, Co.Dublin. 

Registration per team of 12 is €480 and includes: 

-Festival Entry
-Full BBQ (Vegetarian option available)
-Festival T-shirt
-Use of Changing rooms and Showers
-Professional Photographer there on the day and Photos online after
-Insurance

                                

All Proceeds to Aware and Pieta House

If you wish to donate without entering a team you can do so at Everyday Hero

Letterkenny RFC win Topaz 'Cash for Clubs' grand prize

Ireland and Leinster out-half Jonathan Sexton surprises club’s minis with exclusive skills session

Topaz Energy is delighted to announce Letterkenny Rugby Club of Letterkenny, Co. Donegal as the grand prize winner of the 2016 ‘Cash for Clubs’ initiative.

After signing up to the community promotion, which saw club members collect tokens by fuelling up at Tobin’s service station, Letterkenny, Letterkenny Rugby Club was randomly drawn as the overall prize winner and awarded the€10,000 jackpot.

A number of Letterkenny’s youngest club members were recently invited to Dublin to receive the prize on behalf of the club before being treated to a private tour of the Aviva Stadium. 

As well as experiencing the home of Irish rugby from behind the scenes, Letterkenny’s minis were also joined by Topaz Cash for Clubs ambassador and Irish rugby star Jonathan Sexton for a surprise skills session which was held in Donnybrook Stadium, the home of Bective Rangers where Sexton himself played mini rugby until the age of 12.

Chairman of Letterkenny Rugby Club, Michael MacGinty said: “When I first heard that we had been selected as the overall winner I didn’t believe it! For us it’s like hitting the jackpot to receive a cash injection like this, which will go toward future proofing the club and our facilities. This Topaz Cash for Clubs prize will not just go a long way in protecting the club’s legacy, it will also go far in supporting the local community.’’

Margaret Barron, Marketing Director of Topaz added: “With over 440 service stations across the island of Ireland, Topaz is very much at the heart of Irish communities, providing daily services across a 32 county network. With that, we understand the value of clubs of all shapes and sizes and the difficulties they face in raising much-needed funding.

Topaz Cash for Clubs was first introduced to acknowledge those difficulties and reward the tireless work carried out by club members across Ireland when it comes to fundraising, by offering an all-inclusive platform which ensures everyone’s a winner. In Letterkenny Rugby Club, we have a very worthy grand prize winner. The commitment the club and its members have shown has been fantastic and we congratulate all involved, while we look forward to seeing the funding go to good use in the development of Letterkenny’s facilities.”

Details on all of the winners from this year’s Cash for Clubs initiative across Ireland are available online.  For more, visit https://www.playorpark.ie/cash-for-clubs/clubs and www.facebook.com/TopazEnergy

#CashForClubs

Leinster Rugby to Honour Liam Hagan at Connacht Match

from Leinster Rugby

Stuart Lancaster, Sean O'Brien and Mick Kearney were at Leinster Rugby Head Office today with a picture of Liam Hagan, a lifelong Leinster fan, who was born with EB (epidermolysis bullosa)

Leinster Rugby have announced that they will honour a very special Leinster supporter at the Guinness PRO12 game against Connacht this Saturday in the RDS Arena (Kick Off: 5.15pm) and have asked for the help of those in attendance at the game in doing same.

 Liam Hagan, from Threemilehouse in Monaghan, had been nominated by DEBRA Ireland, one of Leinster's two charity partners, to lead out the team as a mascot but tragically Liam passed away only a few short weeks ago. Liam, a lifelong Leinster fan, was born with a severe form of EB (epidermolysis bullosa) a genetic disease that causes skin, both inside and out, to blister at the slightest touch. 

His place as mascot will now be taken by his best friend and cousin Adam McCormick, also from Monaghan, who will now lead out the team in Liam's honour and Leinster Rugby have asked all supporters to acknowledge Liam and his courageous fight at the game. 

Speaking at Leinster HQ today, Leinster forward Sean O'Brien said, "Liam is the toughest little guy we have ever come across and it is very sad that he won't be with us on Saturday but we will make sure that Adam has a great day and we will remember Liam and our thoughts are very much with his family. It would be great if both sets of supporters acknowledged Liam and supported DEBRA Ireland and wore their tattoos at the game.” 

DEBRA Ireland will be in attendance at the game and will be handing out butterfly tattoos and are asking supporters to wear the butterfly in a show of support for Liam and other families fighting EB. In addition Leinster announced that SKY Sports, the broadcasters of the game, will scan the crowd at half time to pick out supporters wearing their butterfly tattoos and one lucky supporter will win two Leinster Rugby season tickets for next season as well as other spot prizes on the night. 

Speaking on behalf of DEBRA Ireland, Judith Gilsenan said, 

"This is EB Awareness Week and Liam, being a rugby nut despite the pain he felt every time he touched a ball, was the obvious choice as mascot for Saturday's match. 

"EB is often described as 'butterfly skin' because the skin is as fragile as a butterfly's wing, and just as easily damaged. Saturday is still Liam's day and we are asking people all over the country to wear a butterfly temporary tattoo for him and all families fighting the battle with EB.  

"Before the Connacht match in the RDS, we are asking fans of both sides to strike up a round of applause to mark Liam's courageous battle. Joining in this celebration of Liam's life and his unbelievable bravery would mean the world to his family.”

Liam, whose big wish was to one day make a trip to Disneyland, lived with his mum Gráinne and his grandparents Paul and Kathleen and they will be guests of Leinster Rugby at the game on Saturday.

Anyone wishing to support DEBRA Ireland during #EBAwarenessWeek is asked to text BUTTERFLY to 50300 to donate €4 and DEBRA Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25 from every donation.

Thanks in advance for any support that can be given to this great cause. 

Leinster Rugby Staff to 'Shave or Dye' for McQuilkin Family

from Leinster Rugby

The Leinster Rugby coaching and back room team will host a 'shave or dye' event this Tuesday and have put together a charity page to help raise funds for their departing colleague Kurt McQuilkin and the wider McQuilkin family.

To make a donation please go to: http://bit.ly/2bOBz5k  

It was announced only two weeks ago that the Leinster Rugby defence coach, Kurt McQuilkin, would be leaving Leinster to return home to New Zealand for personal reasons.

Kurt is a former Leinster player and captain and was also defence coach under Michael Cheika as part of the backroom team that brought a first ever Heineken Cup to the province in 2009.

The former Lansdowne clubman, who played 32 times for Leinster and was capped five times by Ireland in the mid-1990s, re-joined Leinster in time for the start of last season and took over the defensive duties for the club.

Under his stewardship Leinster conceded the least amount of tries in the Guinness PRO12 as they reached the Final in BT Murrayfield.

Commenting on the news at the time Leinster Head Coach Cullen said, "This is very sad news for Kurt and his family and our priority is supporting Kurt in his decision as best we can.

"He will head back home with our very best wishes in very trying circumstances and with the thanks of everyone at Leinster Rugby for his stellar contribution over the last 12 months.

"Right now our focus is on Kurt and ensuring that his move back home is as seamless as possible."

That focus to help out their friend and colleague, has led to this.

A fundraising campaign set up by the Leinster Rugby back room team that will see them 'shave or dye' their hair in aid of the McQuilkin family this Tuesday the 30th August 2016 in Leinster Rugby HQ.

All proceeds from this campaign will be donated to the McQuilkin family to help them at this most difficult of times.

Finally Leinster Rugby would like to acknowledge the support of our two charity partners Aware and DEBRA Ireland with this campaign.

To make a donation please go to: http://bit.ly/2bOBz5k

And make sure to check out the Leinster Rugby social media platforms on Tuesday for the shave or dye updates! 

Leinster Rugby Announce Charity Partners

from Leinster Rugby Aware and DEBRA Ireland Selected Leinster Rugby have this afternoon announced two new charity partners, with Aware and DEBRA Ireland confirmed at a special gathering in Leinster Rugby head offices in UCD. It was also announced that Leinster would be extending the partnership to two seasons for the first time. As a result the partnership will run until the end of the 2017/18 season. To celebrate the partnership it was also announced that Joe Walsh Tours, official travel partner of Leinster Rugby, would be offering both charities 14 seats on the first Guinness PRO12 away trip of the year to Glasgow, giving the lucky 28 passengers a unique insight into the Leinster Rugby environment as they travel to and from the game with the team.  Speaking at Leinster HQ, Gerry O'Brien Head of Fundraising and Business Development with Aware said: "Aware is absolutely delighted to partner with Leinster Rugby for the next two seasons. The partnership gives us the opportunity to tell everyone in the Leinster Rugby family and beyond about the vital role that mental health and wellbeing has for all aspects of our lives, including our ability to partake in and enjoy sports such as rugby.  "Aware works hard to connect with communities across the country and throughout the 12 counties of Leinster, and we hope that the new partnership will encourage people to be more mindful of their mental wellbeing and also encourage anyone who might be going through a tough time, to reach out for the help that is available. We can't wait to get started!”  Also in attendance on behalf of DEBRA Ireland was Judith Gilsenan, Head of Fundraising and Marketing who said "DEBRA Ireland is delighted to be selected as one of Leinster Rugby's official charity partners and are really looking forward to working with both the Leinster Team and Clubs over the next two seasons.   "We have no doubt that this partnership will do so much for our families living with the devastating skin disease EB (epidermolysis bullosa).  The awareness that this partnership will generate will ensure that those living with EB will be given a powerful voice because of the Blue Army! "We are so grateful to Leinster Rugby for this opportunity and wish all the players the very best of luck and thank them for their support.” Aware is the national organisation working since 1985 to provide support, education and information around depression and bipolar disorder. The organisation also provides positive mental health education programmes, which each year reach 30,000 students aged 15-18; 3,000 employees in workplaces nationwide, and 2,500 adults who are dealing with the impact of stress, anxiety or challenging life situations. Depression is estimated to affect more than 450,000 people in Ireland at any one time, while 40,000 people experience bipolar disorder. Aware also offers support to people who care about someone who is managing one of these conditions. DEBRA Ireland was established to provide support services to patients and families living with the debilitating skin condition EB (epidermolysis bullosa). DEBRA also drives research into treatments and cures for those living with the condition. Established in 1988 by the patients and families of those living with EB, DEBRA provides hope and support to those living with EB. There are currently 300 people living in Ireland with the condition. DEBRA Ireland provides support not only to them but to their families who regularly act as carers.  At the announcement, special guests from Aware and DEBRA Ireland met Leinster Rugby players and coaches and they also got a unique behind the scenes tour of the Leinster Rugby facilities. Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen welcomed both charities to Leinster Rugby and looked forward to the partnership ahead: "I would like to congratulate both Aware and DEBRA Ireland on their selection and wish them well over the coming two seasons. I think it's great that they get to kick off the relationship with us as we travel over to Glasgow in a few weeks in the Guinness PRO12 and I would like to thank Joe Walsh Tours for the kind offer. "This is very much a collaborative process with our playing group having input in to the selection process so we feel very much part of the partnership and I hope that it can help both Aware and DEBRA achieve greater awareness for those in Ireland suffering with mental health issues and of course with EB.” In addition to having Aware and DEBRA Ireland on board for the season ahead, Leinster Rugby outlined further plans to engage with other charities. Leinster Rugby media manager and chair of the CSR Committee, Marcus Ó Buachalla, said: "We were again overwhelmed with the amount of applications with over 70 charities putting their names forward. As a result we have again decided to continue with our online application system whereby charities that are not official partners of Leinster Rugby can still apply for once off contributions. "With that framework in place we would hope to reach out to other charities on a monthly basis. Last season we reached out to 42 charities outside of our two partners, Cardiac Risk in the Young and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, and we look forward to doing the same this season.” Further information on the charity partners, in addition to how your charity can apply for support from Leinster Rugby can be found at leinsterrugby.ie/charitypartners Further information on Aware: aware.ie Further information on DEBRA Ireland: debraireland.org

Focus Ireland thanks Irish Rugby team for support in ‘Together we can Tackle Homelessness’ campaign

from Three Ireland

Three Ireland announced before this year’s RBS 6 Nations that it was giving Focus Ireland a million Euro marketing campaign entitled “Together we can Tackle Homelessness”. Reflecting on the campaign to date, Irish rugby star and Three ambassador, Johnny Sexton, alongside Irish head coach Joe Schmidt and former team kit man Rala gave their thoughts.

Sexton begins by saying that he always thought homelessness was the people on the streets. He added that he certainly wasn’t aware that there are big families in one room in a hotel.

Irish head coach Joe Schmidt added “one of the things that has been good for the players in this campaign is that they’ve got a greater awareness and life’s not that easy sometimes for them either, particularly not at the moment – it’s been a tough few weeks for them but it puts things into context when you’re representing your country."

He added “I think it is an incredibly good group who work very hard but are also very grounded and aware that they need to be helping people if they have that opportunity”.

Rala asks the obvious questions of can it be fixed and will it be fixed? Roisin McDonnell, Focus Ireland answered by saying the majority of these families have no reason to be homeless except for economic reasons and this campaign is allowing Focus Ireland to get the message out there that there is help available.

McDonnell continued and thanked the Irish team and the players for getting on board with the campaign and because of their support, Focus Ireland were able to shed a different light on homelessness that they have never been able to do before. Seeing the logo on the jackets she claims is bringing a whole new level to Focus Ireland and getting that message out there.

Three is also making its own ‘call’ to Ireland’s rugby fans and the rest of Ireland to help by texting HOME to 50300 to donate €2. Focus Ireland will receive a minimum of €1.63.

click logo for more on Focus Ireland

Text HOME to 50300 to help tackle homelessness

from Three Ireland

Together we can tackle homelessness

Picture taken at the Captains Run in the Aviva stadium showing iconic moment of Irish Rugby Team in their quest to help tackle homelessness. Three Ireland recently announced that it was giving Focus Ireland a million Euro marketing campaign entitled “Together we can tackle homelessness” with the aim being to raise funds and also the awareness of homelessness in Ireland and is urging Ireland’s rugby fans and the rest of Ireland to help by texting HOME to 50300 to donate €2 with all funds going directly to Focus Ireland.

Three Ireland gives rugby sponsorship assets to Focus Ireland

Includes €1m marketing campaign to raise funds and awareness of homelessness

Three Ireland has announced that it is giving Focus Ireland a million Euro marketing campaign entitled “Let’s All Tackle Homelessness”.  By leveraging its sponsorship of the Irish Rugby Team during the 2016 RBS 6 Nations tournament, Three hopes to harness the goodwill, enthusiasm and passion of rugby fans, and generate both awareness and funds to make a real difference to the lives of people currently facing great difficulties as a result of homelessness.

According to Elaine Carey, Chief Commercial Officer of Three Ireland: “Homelessness is one of the major issues facing our society and we wanted to play our part in supporting this very worthy cause. Therefore we are giving our assets and full marketing campaign associated with the rugby sponsorship to Focus Ireland.  This will raise funds and awareness and help Focus Ireland reach those in need of their services, advice and information.”

The €1m campaign will include: a major advertising campaign on television, radio, outdoor and online; the creation of a three minute documentary on homelessness; a fundraising campaign with dedicated text line; access to Three ambassador Johnny Sexton, public relations and other promotional support.

Three is also making its own ‘call’ to Ireland’s rugby fans and the rest of Ireland to help by texting HOME to 50300 to donate €2. No network charges will apply when donations are made on the Three network and all funds will go directly to Focus Ireland.

Every day Focus Ireland secures a home for a family, but every day two other families are losing their homes. This campaign will help Focus Ireland to reach those most at risk of becoming homeless and provide essential advice, information and support to those who need it most.

Commenting at the launch Ashley Balbirnie, CEO of Focus Ireland: “We are incredibly grateful to Three for using its sponsorship of the Irish Rugby Team to provide this platform to raise awareness for the issue of homelessness. We do not have the resources to launch a campaign anywhere near this scale so Three’s generosity will go a long way in helping us to achieve a new awareness of homelessness in Ireland, reach a wider audience and make it easy for people to support our work.  This is a very welcome opportunity to create an impactful campaign and raise funds that will ultimately change lives.”

Carey added: “Homelessness is a growing problem in Ireland and the number of families experiencing homelessness has increased tenfold (from eight to 80 families a month) in recent years.  The explicit aim of Three’s charity strategy is to make a difference via a holistic approach that includes all of our resources – employee skills, marketing capabilities and assets, services, etc.  Three believes the most relevant issue to our business, one to which we can make a difference, is disadvantaged young people.  Our current relationship with the charity An Cosán Virtual Community College reflects this, as does our new campaign with Focus Ireland that supports families experiencing homelessness.”