RUGBY League World Cup 2013 has joined forces with the Manchester Irish Festival to help launch the Festival's opening weekend and promote the development of Ireland’s Rugby League team.
Ireland’s national team captain Liam Finn will attend the Manchester-Mayo opening night concert this Friday (March 8) while vice-captain Tyrone McCarthy attends the VIP launch event on Saturday.
They will bring along the World Cup trophy so that visitors can have their photograph taken with one of the world’s most prestigious pieces of silverware.
RLWC2013 communications manager Martin Johnston said: “Rugby League World Cup 2013 is delighted to be teaming up with the Manchester Irish Festival. The Festival is a celebration of Irish arts, culture, film, music and dance, while RLWC2013 is a celebration of what we believe to the greatest team sport on earth.
“Ireland have a very important role to play at this year’s tournament, and we’re looking forward to helping rally support for the team who will play group matches at Thomond Park in Limerick, but also in Rochdale and Huddersfield.”
Ireland vice-captain McCarthy, meanwhile, says he is relishing the opportunity to make new friends and rub shoulders with members of the Irish community in Britain.
McCarthy said: “I’m really looking forward to coming along to the event and telling the people a little bit about what Ireland Rugby League has up its sleeve for 2013. I am extremely proud of my Irish heritage and representing the nation is always a truly humbling experience. I hope we can deliver success and do the nation proud at RLWC2013, and I also hope members of the Irish community in Manchester and the surrounding areas can join us at the matches later this year.”
The Irish Post is the media partner of Manchester Irish Festival.
