Spirited fans proud of Ulster despite defeat

THE PINTS of Guinness and Tennents flowing in the Belfast Harlequins rugby club on Saturday evening during the Leinster versus Ulster Heineken clash were £2 each – that is, 1999 prices in memory of the year Ulster won the European tournament.

For a while it cheered up the large crowd that had thronged the south Belfast club – it was standing room only inside – but as the game wore on and as Leinster cruelly wore Ulster down the cheap drink lost its uplifting effect.

But surely Donald Wilson, sitting amid the hundreds of Ulster supporters, many of them proudly wearing the team jersey, was happy? He was decked out in a blue Leinster wig, Leinster jersey and dark tennis mini-skirt.

But no, even he was gloomy – well, just a little. Wilson is actually from Lisbane, Co Down, and was on day two of his stag weekend – the skirt was the giveaway – before he marries his beloved Alison Graham on Saturday. “I am rooting for Ulster every time – I think we’ll kick their ass,” he said at half time when there was still some hope.

Still, when the final whistle was blown and Ulster were despatched his mood could not be described as downbeat, unlike some of the more committed supporters present.

It was very much a mixed community scene at Harlequins which has close relations with the south Belfast GAA club, St Brigid’s. As Leinster gained ascendancy some of the youngsters present with their parents drifted out to the playing fields to hurl and kick around sliotars, rugby, Gaelic and soccer balls.

Ulster folk generally were gracious in defeat. Michael Millar who coaches the Harlequins under-17s said there was no argument about Leinster being the better team. “There were just too many mistakes from Ulster too early in the game for us to have had a chance,” he lamented.

But, as he observed, there weren’t too many who at the start of the season were predicting Ulster would make an all-Ireland European final.

“I am proud of the team. They played with real spirit and we will build from here,” said Millar.

University of Ulster lecturer Paul McCullagh took time to marvel at how battle-scarred Brian O’Driscoll could still make it to the field of play. “I am disappointed, of course, but that disappointment is moderated by Brian O’Driscoll winning another Heineken cup given what he has done for Irish rugby,” he said.

Public relations consultant Brendan Mulgrew also conceded that it was well and truly Leinster’s day. “Ulster made a massive effort; they were beaten by a better side – it’s as simple as that – but they didn’t let anyone down.” Manager of the bar Bernie McGrath was also philosophical.

“Great day, shame about the result,” he said – which seemed to capture the mood.