There has been lots written this week about Ulster’s European Cup triumph against Colomiers on 30th January 1999.
My own memories of the whole weekend are somewhat blurred having travelled down to Dublin on a corporate jolly. The Friday night was spent in the Hairy Lemon opposite Break for the Border and I know we spent enough in that bar that night to own it with the corporate expenses taking a huge hit.
The next day we woke up slightly worse for wear and, thankfully, couldn’t face a drink before the game so my memory of the game it’s self is not too bad. The route from St Stephens Green to Landsdowne Road was a sea of red and white with the Red Hand of Ulster flying proudly and welcomed by smiling Dubliners in what was a carnival atmosphere.
Arriving at the ground about an hour before kick off, the pre-match build up flew in as the Ulster team warmed up to huge cheers and a group of Superman clad Ulster supporters cavorted their way through the crowd to their seats. The atmosphere went up a notch as Ulster went from stand to stand to terrace before leaving the pitch to thunderous applause.
The game went by just as quickly and Ulster never looked like losing. With Jonny Bell terrorising the French midfield and Simon Mason keeping the scoreboard ticking over Colomiers never had a chance as Ulster starved their big pack of any meaningful ball.
And then it was over and the emotions of realisation kicked in. The endless choruses of “We Are The Champions” as the Ulster supporters invaded the pitch. Ulster had won the greatest trophy in European rugby and saved the competition.
Rugby has moved on over the last ten years and we’ll never see such a “home grown” victory again. Ulster have struggled with the move to professionalism, on the pitch and off and the low key celebrations of Ulster’s finest hour are a mark of how far Ulster Rugby has to go. But then again maybe low key is exactly how this team of hero’s wants to be remembered.
One interesting fact that came to mind as I’ve been looking through the pictures from 99 is how well our Presidente Justin Fitzpatrick has aged through the years. In fact he looks younger now than he did ten years ago! I really must try those monkey glands myself sometime!!
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