Vodafone reveal “Ireland’s Ball” ahead of the Irish Rugby team’s departure to Japan
17 September 2019
Vodafone reveal “Ireland’s Ball” ahead of the Irish Rugby team’s departure to Japan
Win the chance to present “Ireland’s Ball” to the team this September!
Media Release 20th August 2019
Vodafone Ireland, official sponsor of the Irish Rugby team, has revealed “Ireland’s Ball” ahead of the team’s departure to Japan. In partnership with Gilbert, Vodafone has created a world first ball grip that features the fingerprints of 32 people representing the 32 counties of Ireland. Ireland’s Ball will travel to Japan with the team as a symbol of the #TeamOfUs support for Irish Rugby from fans in Ireland and around the world.
Watch Ireland’s Ball launch film here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlirWyK6ppk&feature=youtu.be
Ireland’s Ball is a unique rugby ball that celebrates the diverse fabric of modern Irish society. The 32 people selected to contribute their fingerprint to Ireland’s Ball represent Irish rugby fans and the #TeamOfUs from every corner of the country.
Contributors to the ball include Maeve Cox (Meath), the first baby born in Ireland in 2019; Ciara Griffin (Kerry), Captain of the Women’s Rugby team; John Burke (Clare), who summited Everest in 2017; Brian John Spencer an artist from Belfast, and Matt NiGrioffa (Connemara) an Irish speaking lobster fisherman and founding member of An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí, the only Irish speaking rugby team in the world. A full list of participants can be found at https://rugby.vodafone.ie/irelands-ball/
Vodafone has launched a search for one lucky individual to present Ireland’s Ball to the Irish Rugby team before they depart for Japan. The presentation will take place at the Aviva Stadium on September 6^th^. To enter visit https://rugby.vodafone.ie/irelands-ball-competition/
Commenting on the campaign, Vodafone’s Head of Sponsorship and Business Brand Gerry Nixon said; “Vodafone’s mission with Irish Rugby is to create the most interconnected team and fanbase on the planet through the #TeamOfUs. Our ‘Everyone In’ campaign is an invitation, to everyone around the country, and indeed every Irish rugby fan around the world, to come together and connect with Irish rugby in the build-up to and during their time in Japan.
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“We are conscious that most fans won’t be able to travel to Japan and we wanted to show the team the level of support that exists in every corner of Ireland. We identified 32 people from 32 counties to share their fingerprints via a bespoke App so we could create Ireland’s Ball, a rugby ball that represents all of Ireland and carries our identity. The ball will travel to Japan with the team this September as a symbol of our support. Now we are looking for one person to present Ireland’s Ball to the team on behalf of the entire nation.”
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Over the course of the Guinness Series, Vodafone will be bringing fans closer to the team via social content, ticket competitions and exclusive, instant match highlights for all of Ireland’s international matches on the My Vodafone app. Check out https://rugby.vodafone.ie/ for all the latest #TeamOfUs news.
ENDS
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For Further Information
Claire Shannon Teneo – 0871260924
Share Ireland’s Ball video on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=626387127770503
https://twitter.com/VodafoneIreland/status/1163767633960980480
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About Vodafone Group
Vodafone Group is one of the world’s leading telecoms and technology service providers. We have extensive experience in connectivity, convergence and the Internet of Things, as well as championing mobile financial services and digital transformation in emerging markets.
Vodafone Group has mobile operations in 25 countries, partners with mobile networks in 41 more, and fixed broadband operations in 19 markets. As of 31 March 2019, Vodafone Group had approximately 650 million mobile customers, 19 million fixed broadband customers and 14 million TV customers, including all of the customers in Vodafone’s joint ventures and associates. For more information, please visit: www.vodafone.com.
