Ulster and Ireland rugby legend excited to return to where it all began

Photo shows Andrew Trimble in action for Ulster
-Credit: (Image: INPHO/Presseye/Darren Griffiths)


Andrew Trimble will look back on his stellar career at a special celebration dinner hosted by Coleraine Grammar School later this month.

The former Ulster winger, who was capped 70 times by Ireland, will speak at the event which will bring together old friends, teammates and supporters of rugby at the school.

Trimble's rugby career started at Coleraine Inst, which became known as Coleraine Grammar following an amalgamation with Coleraine High School in 2015. He swiftly climbed through the ranks to make 229 appearances and score a record 79 tries for Ulster in a sparkling 13-year career.

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He was part of Ireland’s Triple Crown winning squads in 2006 and 2007 before scoring the crucial try in Ireland’s final game against France to win the 2014 Six Nations Championship, one of 13 tries for his country.

Trimble will speak at this month's dinner before taking part in Question and Answer session under the direction of local actor and comedian Alan McKee. A fellow Coleraine Inst Old Boy, McKee played at loose head prop for the ‘School on the Hill’ in the 1988 Ulster Schools’ Cup Final.

Looking forward to the event,Trimble said: “It will be a really fun evening. I was born in Coleraine and the school set me on the path to a rugby career beyond my dreams.

“I am really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and hearing about the work my old Ulster teammate Kieran Campbell is doing in his new role Director of Rugby at Coleraine Grammar. I know tickets are selling well and I hope the place will be packed out on the night.”

McKee added: “I will be a great night and I’m sure the crowd will be fascinated to hear Andrew and I talking about our combined 70 caps for Ireland.

“Running out at Ravenhill on St Patrick’s Day 1988 will always be one of the proudest moments of my life. I know several other members of that team, including captain David Nicholl, will be at the dinner.

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“I encourage anyone who wants to support the rugby revolution at Coleraine Grammar to please buy a ticket and be part of the new dawn.”

Kieran Campbell, Director of Rugby at Coleraine Grammar School, said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to the newly created role. I hope to make a significant impact in refocussing our approach to rugby across the age groups.

“The school has such a proud history in the sport and our aim with hard work is to be competitive again an ensure Coleraine is at the top table again.

“We want the Coleraine Grammar rugby community to play a full part in this journey, beginning with the dinner at the end of this month. I have no doubt that it will be an evening to remember.”

Tickets priced £50 are available by clicking on this link or emailing colerainegrammarra@gmail.com. The three-course meal at the White Pheasant, Kelly’s Portrush will take place on Saturday, September 28 at 7.30pm.

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