Border Telegraph | Sport | Ciaran's Games honour

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 1st March, 2006 10:00

Ciaran's Games honour

By Border Telegraph Sport

AT an informal ceremony held in the home team dressing room at Philiphaugh last Thursday night, Selkirk Rugby Club made a special presentation to Ciaran Beattie, who flies out this week with the Scotland sevens squad to compete in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

The 19-year-old Selkirk threequarter was presented with an engraved quaich by club President Dennis Henderson, as well as a good luck card signed by Ciaran’s team-mates and the club’s coaches and office-bearers.

“Selection for the Commonwealth Games is a tremendous honour,” said Mr Henderson, “not only for Ciaran and his family, but also for Selkirk Rugby Club and for everyone who has helped the player’s development at every stage of his career.

“Ciaran has always been one of the club’s most dedicated players, but what has really impressed everyone this season has been his loyalty to Selkirk.

“Despite his sevens commitments with Scotland all over the world, he has continued to turn out for Selkirk’s 1st XV whenever asked to do so, and in whatever position the selectors deem appropriate.

“Everybody at Philiphaugh is delighted by your selection for the Commonwealth Games, Ciaran, and we wish you and the rest of the Scotland party every success in the weeks ahead.”

In reply, Ciaran expressed his surprise at being honoured in this way. “This means a great deal to me,” he told his team-mates, “and I’d like to thank the club for honouring me in this way.

“I’ve really enjoyed my rugby with Selkirk this season, and I’d like to wish both of the club’s teams every success for the remainder of the season. I’ll certainly be doing my level best, as will the whole Scotland squad, to make sure we do everybody proud in Australia.”

Two days later Ciaran received the perfect send-off when he ended his club campaign on a winning note, scoring the first of Selkirk’s four tries in their 32-25 victory over league leaders Dundee HSFP at Philiphaugh.

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