THANK YOU

Firstly, on behalf of all at the club, from the playing, coaching and commercial staff, we would like to thank everyone for all the support we have received through thick and thin this season.  Your support has been invaluable and is much appreciated.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Madejski Stadium during the 2003-2004 season.

ROSSLYN PARK FLOODLIT SEVENS

London Irish won the Rosslyn Park Floodlit 7's last night (Wednesday 14th).

Having beaten Esher and Oxford University in the pool matches, London Irish faced NEC Harlequins in the semi-final. Tries by Ed Thrower, Kieran Roche and Nick Kennedy secured London Irish a place in the final.

The final saw London Irish take on a strong Saracens side and in the first half it remained close at 19-12 at half-time. However, a second half performance involving tries from Delon Armitage, Ed Thrower, Kevin Barrett and John Lake, left the final score 47-17.

Former Ireland and London Wasps coach, Warren Gatland presented London Irish with their trophy. Congratulations to all involved and thanks to all those who were there to support the team.

Their results were:

Pool B
London Irish 21  Esher 12
London Irish 12  Oxford Uni 5

Semi-Final
London Irish 31  Quins 21

Final
London Irish 47  Saracens 17

Squad: Matt Cannon, Kieran Roche, Nick Kennedy, John Lake, Paddy Gill, Ed Thrower, Ed Hoadley, Kevin Barrett, Kevin Brennan, Delon Armitage, Nils Mordt.

COMMERCIAL OFFICE RELOCATION

Please note that from 2nd June, the Commercial Office of London Irish is moving back to Sunbury.

The address is: London Irish, The Avenue, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex  TW16 5EQ

The main office number will be: 01932 783034, fax number: 01932 784462.

A FEW TABLES STILL AVAILABLE AT THE PLAYERS' AWARDS DINNER

We are pleased to confirm that this years Players' Awards Dinner, an event not to be missed, will be held at the Madejski Stadium on Friday 23rd May 2003.

The evening will include a drinks reception from 7pm, a four course dinner with wine, presentation of awards, guest speaker and a live band till 1am.

Tickets are £115 per person inc. VAT
Tables for ten people are £1,150 inc. VAT
which can include the company of a player and their partner if you wish.

Places are limited so please book now to avoid disappointment.  To book or get further details please contact Kelly on 0118 987 9721 or e-mail kelly.adey@london-irish.org

For the Awards Dinner evening, The Millennium Madejski Hotel is offering a discounted rate of £60 per room including breakfast. If you wish to book please contact reservations on 0118 925 3500 quoting: London Irish Awards Dinner.

READING RFC UNDER 13 END THE SEASON ON A HIGH WITH THE EXILES

Reading Under 13 were treated to a coaching clinic from London Irish on the morning of our Zurich Premiership relegation clash against the Bristol Shoguns.

The coaching clinic, supported by Powergen, focussed on developing evasion skills, the contact area and rucking techniques with drills used by the London Irish first team squad. Under the watchful eye of LI Coach Mark Tyrell, the players showed big improvements very quickly.  The day was topped off with players and coaches receiving free tickets to witness Irish's fantastic victory over the Bristol Shoguns.

Reading under 13's Coach Peter Ireland said, "We have had a fantastic day and are over the moon that Irish won. Having first class rugby in Reading is an inspiration to all our young players, you only have to see the number of London Irish shirts on our training ground to see the impact that Irish have. The coaching clinic really demonstrates the commitment Irish have to rugby in the community and us at Reading will be working hard with the club to promote the game. A big thank you to David Law and his team." 

London Irish part-time Community Development Officer, Mark Tyrell comments, "The Powergen Coaching Clinics are a fantastic way for youngsters to learn new techniques that will improve their individual core skill level. It was fantastic to see so many Reading RFC shirts in the crowd, proving the importance of relationships with a local rugby club."

London Irish will be visiting rugby clubs throughout the summer as part of the 'Powergen Clubs Programme'. If you would like to find out further information on how your club could get involved then please call 0118 987 9713.

LISC PLAYER AWARDS

The Supporters Club presented their annual awards to the players after the game on Saturday. 

Player of the Season: Naka Drotske (a closely fought battle)

New Player Award: Nick Kennedy (Award donated by Tony Byrne at St Clares Travel)

Best Butt: Paul Sackey

Best Legs: Paul Sackey

Sexiest Smile: Justin Bishop

Loveliest Eyes: Paul Gustard

Most Gorgeous Player: Kieron Dawson

I'd Take His Kit Home and Wash It: Paul Gustard and Barry Everitt tied!

There was also a special award to Brendan as a thankyou (a stethoscope with special LI green pipes to take back to his practice in Cape Town)

MIDDLESEX SEVENS - SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2003

This year's Middlesex Sevens take place at Twickeham on Saturday 16th August.  The teams invited to this year's event will include all 12 Premiership clubs plus four invitation sides. 

We have a fantastic TWO for ONE ticket offer available to all current season ticket holders.  Even if you are not a season ticket holder, tickets are priced at just £23 and if you book before 30th June all the money from the tickets will be retained by the club.

Ticket queries should be made by telephone to 0118 987 9725, by fax to 0118 975 1091 or by e-mail to jon.salinger@london-irish.com

PARKER PEN FINALS

Special deal available to London Irish Corporate Supporters

Get a 10 seater executive suite to see Caerphilly v Castres Olympique in the Parker Pen Shield Final and Bath Rugby v London Wasps in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup Final at Madejski Stadium on Sunday May 25th. Your suite will include both games.
First kick-off is 1pm.

Normal rate is £600 but London Irish corporate supporters can get a box for just £400 plus vat . That's £40 per person for a top hospitality suite.  E-mail bbutler@readingfc.co.uk or call 0118 968 1305 to book.

THE BLARNEY

Over 4,900 people have currently subscribed to the Blarney; do you forward this to your mates? Or do you print it out and pass it around? Well, why not provide us with their e-mail address so that they can receive their own personal copy. E-mail Jon Salinger (jon.salinger@london-irish.com) with e-mail addresses. Let us try and spread the word of London Irish to a much greater audience.