Limavady Chronicle - Sports - Jack Rankin opposed to Heineken Cup match being on Easter Sunday

Sports

Jack Rankin opposed to Heineken Cup match being on Easter Sunday

Thursday, 2 February 2012

ALDERMAN Jack Rankin has spoken out against the decision to play Ulster's Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Munster on Easter Sunday. "As a person who has played rugby and still enjoys going to watch Ulster playing at Ravenhill I was very disappointed to learn that the quarter-final of the Heineken Cup with Munster as to be held on Easter Sunday.
The European Rugby Cup (ERC) in conjunction with Sky Sports, decreed that the big inter-provincial showdown should be staged on the holiest day of the Christian calendar.
“The fact that the match is going to be played on Easter Sunday will no doubt cause a real dilemma for many church going people who follow Ulster.
“It is unfortunate that the ERC have in effect as a result of their decision denied Christian supporters the opportunity of going to Thomond Park to support their team," he said.
Mr Rankin continued saying: "Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian calendar, when we can go to church and worship and praise our risen Saviour.
“It is also worth mentioning that there is a strong Christian commitment of at least six or seven Ulster players against the playing of the match on Easter Sunday.
“The compromise would be that the match would be rescheduled to Easter Saturday which would allow Ulster supporters to travel to Limerick and back again on Saturday and still be in their churches for Easter Sunday.
“I would stress that I can in no way denying other Ulster supporters the right to go if they so wish.
“I am only expressing how I feel about playing the match on Easter Sunday, a very important day in the Christian calendar.
“I will always continue to support Ulster rugby and I wish the team every success and sincerely hope that we will all get the opportunity of seeing them play in the semi-final."