Regal Reception Hosts Irish Rugby Stars

The Queen was yesterday the guest of honour at a Hillsborough Castle reception (pictured) for the victorious Irish Rugby team, winners of the 2009 RBS Six Nations Championship.

Hosted by NI Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward, guests included Gregory Campbell, the NI Minister of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Brian O'Driscoll, the Ireland Captain.

Shaun Woodward said: "It is a great privilege and an honour to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to this very special reception.

"I am also absolutely delighted to welcome the Ireland team to Hillsborough Castle, they are an inspiration to everyone and I would pay tribute to their efforts and dedication that has brought them such a deserved victory," he said.

Her Majesty had the opportunity to meet around 60 guests including members of the historic Six Nations Championship team, officials and their support staff.

Meanwhile, the Queen and Mary McAleese, President of Ireland - each joint patrons of Co-operation Ireland - were lead guests at a separate reception also hosted by Shaun Woodward.

It was to celebrate 30 years of successful charity peace-building work in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Also held in Hillsborough Castle, it was attended by around 350 guests of the leading charity which exists to work with groups from all religious and cultural communities to build vibrant societies based on the principles of respect for diversity and peace and reconciliation.

Her Majesty became joint patron in 1995 with President Mary Robinson when the charity was known as Co-operation North. President McAleese succeeded Mary Robinson following her election in 1997.

Shaun Woodward said: "I am delighted to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and Her Excellency Mary McAleese, President of Ireland to this celebration of co-operation."

Music for the evening was provided by members of the Cross Border Orchestra with special performances by famous singing clerics, The Priests' and the Grosvenor Grammar Chamber Choir.

Co-operation Ireland works in the areas of education and citizenship, youth and community development, economic development, media, research and policy governance, EU funding and North/South policy. It also delivers world-class corporate and public fundraising events around the globe.

The Queen's three-day visit to Northern Ireland ended on Friday with the royal couple's last engagement at the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio in Banbridge, Co Down.

(BMcC/JM)