Royal visit a relief from White-knuckle wedding
ULSTER cricketer Andrew White has revealed meeting the Queen yesterday helped take his mind off his wedding today.
The 27-year-old from Newtownards was part of the Ireland team who spectacularly beat Pakistan in the West Indies last year.
Reception
Yesterday afternoon he met the Queen at Hillsborough Castle during a reception for about 300 Ulster sporting stars, sports administrators and coaches.
"I'm getting married in Richhill and it was good to have something to take my mind off it," he said.
"I told the Queen about St Patrick's Day last year when we beat Pakistan at the World Cup.
"Her eyes lit up and she said that she remembered it well.
"I suppose it shows what an impact that game had across the world.
"The Duke of Edinburgh has cricket in his background, having played the game when he was younger, and the Queen is often seen at Lords so it was wonderful to meet them."
Stars
Sports administrators and coaches at the reception included IFA president Raymond Kennedy and chief executive Howard Wells, Portadown Football Club manager Ronnie McFall, former International Rugby Board chairman Syd Millar, North West 200 organiser Mervyn Whyte and world renowned boxing trainer Gerry Storey.
Among the current and former sporting stars at the event were motorcyclist Robert Dunlop, former Ireland rugby international Willie John McBride, legendary Northern Ireland striker Billy Hamilton and former Ireland cricketer Ryan Eagleson.
Privilege
Olympic gold medallist Dame Mary Peters, who has met the Queen several times, said she it was a "wonderful privilege" to meet the monarch.
"She was very interested in the young sports people there — of course her own granddaughter is a sports star and her daughter, Princess Anne, has a keen interest in sports," she said.
"All through the Troubles we were able to encourage teams to come over here and take part in sport so it's nice that it's being recognised."
Former Ireland rugby international and Ulster fly-half David Humphreys was also among the guests at Hillsborough Castle.
The prolific points scorer — who met the Queen to receive an MBE — said: "It's always very special to meet Her Majesty.
"This recognition will give a boost to teams and shows how important the role of sport is in Northern Ireland."
Honour
Sports Minister Edwin Poots, who introduced the guests to the Queen, said: "The Queen showed a keen interest in disability sports and also in kick boxing and gymnastics," he said.
"She is a very knowledgeable lady and it is an honour to have her here."
White wedding gets Queen's approval
Visit comes at 'most promising time' for NI
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
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