Northern Ireland Office

Her Majesty The Queen was Guest of Honour at a reception hosted by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward MP, for the victorious Irish Rugby team, winners of the 2009 RBS Six Nations Championship.

Among the special guests were Mr Gregory Campbell MP MLA, Minister of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Mr Brian O’Driscoll Ireland Captain.

Shaun Woodward said: “It is a great privilege and an honour to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to this very special reception.

“I am also absolutely delighted to welcome the Ireland team to HillsboroughCastle, they are an inspiration to everyone and I would pay tribute to their efforts and dedication that has brought them such a deserved victory.”

Her Majesty had the opportunity to meet around 60 guests including members of the historic Six Nations Championship team, officials and their support staff.

Notes to Editors

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were welcomed by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward MP and Mrs Camilla Woodward.

Prior to joining the reception the Secretary of State presented:

Mr Gregory Campbell MP MLA, Minister, Department Culture Arts and Leisure

Mr Bruce Robinson, Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service,

Mr Paul, Sweeney, Permanent Secretary, Department Culture, Arts and

Leisure,

Mr Edgar Jardine, Deputy Secretary, Department Culture, Arts and Leisure,

Mr Brian O’Driscoll, Captain IrelandRugby Team.