Friday, 8 May 2009 Irish rugby legends from past and present gathered at Hillsborough Castle yesterday for a very special meeting with the Queen.
Members of the Grand Slam-winning squad from both north and south were invited to a civic reception to honour their historic achievement in March of this year. They were accompanied by coach Declan Kidney, as well as 1948 Grand Slam legends Jack Kyle and Jimmy Nelson, as they met Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh in the Drawing Room at Hillsborough. Irish President Mary McAleese also travelled to Hillsborough for the event. Alongside team captain Brian O’Driscoll, the line-up included Ulster stars Paddy Wallace, Rory Best and Stephen Ferris. “It’s very special and a huge honour to be invited here,” said Best, who had earlier accompanied the Queen and Prince Philip as they were introduced to his team-mates.
“There is no-one more special than the Queen and to meet her is very special.