Colm McKenna, Head of Marketing Bank of Ireland said:  “The deal we’ve signed today is the highlight so far of a hugely successful relationship between Bank of Ireland and Ulster Rugby. This further three-year sponsorship builds on an association between us that began in 1997/98 ahead of Ulster’s historic European Cup win.”
“Since we began our sponsorship of them nine years ago, the team has grown out of all recognition, from a side dominated by part-time players, Ulster Rugby has grown into the only sport in Northern Ireland running a full-time professional team with a supporting structure underneath it to ensure the development of the game.”

From 1997...

In 1997 the Bank of Ireland came on board as the first major sponsor of the Ulster team in the professional era, the game has changed a great deal in that period as has the Ulster Team but one thing has remained constant  -  the support of  the Bank.

Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid commented: "During the Bank's partnership Ulster have had four coaches and over 150 players. When that first deal was signed there were only had 5 full time professionals, a youngster called Simon Best from Newcastle University was  about to make his debut for the Ulster U20 Team along with Bryn Cunningham and an even younger Andrew Trimble was about to start his first year at Coleraine Inst!"

"Bank of Ireland have been with Ulster Rugby for the long haul – they have remained one of only two constants during this period and with today's announcement they are without doubt the major supporter of sport in Northern Ireland."

"In that first year of their sponsorship the Bank must have wondered what they had done – the playing record read played 10 , won 2, lost 8. The second year was better altogether, Friday night rugby came to Ravenhill and with it the return of top players from the UK and of course, the European Cup win."

"Since then we have tasted the highs of Celtic Cup success and topping the Celtic League table and through all the highs and the lows the Bank have remained more just a sponsor. It is easy to support your team either as a fan on the terrace or a sponsor when things are going well  - the mark of a true supporter is one who supports you through thick and thin  -  we have a fantastic group of supporters , the ones on the terrace, promenade and in the stands look to be heading for their third title in a row as the best Celtic League Supporters and in the Bank of Ireland we have without doubt the best commercial supporter in not only Celtic terms but in Northern Hemisphere rugby."