Rugby fans eavesdrop as Schmidt and Ward engage in ‘conversation’
A LARGE crowd gathered at New Ross RFC’s latest high profile speakers’ event in the Brandon House Hotel on Friday when Ireland rugby coach, Joe Schmidt and former Munster, Ireland and Lions player, Tony Ward discussed matters including rugby, players, travel and other topics.
Entitled ‘ The Conversation’, this occasion followed on from a hugely entertaining ‘Evening with Nigel Owens’ two years ago.
Club members have long known that local businessman Des Moloney is an exceptional MC, but he excelled himself on this occasion and has now been rechristened ‘Des Norton’ in recognition of his witty repartee, in a probing questioning and relaxed manner as he brought the very best of entertainment from two giants of Irish rugby.
All three gentlemen were in relaxed form and kept the audience spellbound as they rambled through discussions about their careers. Many funny stories were recounted and the audience enjoyed it thoroughly.
A very busy ‘meet and greet’ formed part of the evening and copious photographs were taken and autographs provided.
The early entertainment was provided by the Cumas band, a number of whose members also
New Ross Rugby Club president Michael Bailey with the signed shirt presented to him by Joe Schmidt.
play with NRRFC’s Dunbrody Warriors.
Thanking the speakers at the conclusion, President Michael Bailey indicated that the support the club has received and the popularity of these events would ensure that NRRFC would soon set about organising the next one.