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The Poyntzpass community will come together to honour its most famous son, Rory Best, with a special gala event in the village this Saturday 25 September 25.
‘Poyntzpass Celebrates Rory Best’ runs from 1.45pm * to 5.30pm at the Redmond O’Hanlon’s GAA grounds on the Newry Road, and will pay tribute to the Acton native who was a four-time Six Nations Championship winner and a Triple Crown and Grand Slam-winning captain who played 124 times for Ireland and also skippered the side to unforgettable victories over New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
The afternoon includes a match between the amalgamated Poyntzpass primary schools’ class of 1993 in which Rory played versus a team brought together by his brother Simon.
There will also be a game of two halves (half rugby, half Gaelic Football) played between pupils of the two primary schools in the village and a rugby match between a Ben Best Select and an Armagh/Banbridge Select.
The sporting action will then give way to the ‘Ode to Rory’ after the arrival of the Lord Mayor of Armagh and MC Bill Ferris will introduce Brian Canavan to reflect on Rory’s remarkable career with Ulster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions before the former Ireland captain takes the microphone himself.
Poyntzpass Silver Band and children’s choirs will provide the music. Admission to the event is free, refreshments will be available at the club shop and a raffle will be held in support of the Daisy Lodge Cancer charity.
Additions 10pm 22/9
* Time changed to 1.45pm
NOTES
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Local people are advised to walk to the event as there will be no parking in the immediate vicinity of the O'Hanlon's GAA grounds.
