It proved a bruising night in Bilbao as the might of Montpellier marched to Challenge Cup glory over Ulster – but alongside support from the Spanish stands, Richie Murphy’s men had plenty of home help still standing strong despite the 59-26 defeat.

Ulster’s wait for European silverware will now stretch past the 20-year mark and Murphy must prepare for another season without the prize of top-tier Champions Cup play.

However, the message from the passionate travelling fanbase – and those watching across Northern Ireland – was one of pride over pain.

In similar fashion to community-based clubs dotted across the country, Portadown’s Chambers Park venue turned the focus beyond parochial needs on Friday night to support for the province as members and friends turned out in numbers to watch the big game on the big screen.

placeholder image — Ulster fans at Portadown Rugby Club cheering on Richie Murphy's men in the European Challenge Cup final. (Photo Iconic Media Group)

Although the final score from San Mames Stadium marked another pain game for Ulster, fans quickly looked forward to future gains.

Clive Bowles, who holds a role on the Ulster branch committee as Portadown representative, picked out the positives overall – plus had one personal highlight following Robert Baloucoune’s try.

"I worked in the past with Ulster squads across youth level and remember Robert coming through the under 19s, so it was lovely to see him score,” said Bowles. "I remember this big, tall, gangly lad but a really fast player with a load of potential.”

The 1999 European champions’ bid to secure a first trophy since the Celtic League in 2006 marked one hurdle too high in the high temperatures of Spain.

With the unavailability of Ireland internationals Stuart McCloskey and Iain Henderson key setbacks before the first whistle, on the final outcome Bowles highlighted “we started off well but the French just have a lot more money to throw at it” and that “they were bigger…a big, big pack and that showed”.

"Ulster did well to get the early score but just struggled against the bigger, faster guys,” said Bowles. "We had a few from the club over in Bilbao...Ulster have done really, really well and in terms of all the supporters it's been a big, big season for everybody.

"And it's nice to see them up there again, that's been a big thing.

"The players that are leaving...you know, there's that older, experienced group leaving.

"But there's a good bunch of kids coming through the Academy.

"And that's what Richie Murphy's been good at working with over the Irish under 20s and things.

"That's what he’s been building...he's building from the bottom up.

"He's building a team spirit.”

One additional bonus for clubs on Friday was a cash boost thanks to Ulster’s extended European run – with a welcome lift over the bar plus Portadown taking advantage of the numbers to host a barbecue fund-raiser in aid of the P7 players’ 2027 summer trip to England for a tournament.

"All the clubs will probably have the same...they'll have had the game on the TV,” said Bowles. “And it's a bonus at this time of year that rugby clubs don't have normally.

"For the mini-rugby tour it gets a lift and the club here over the bar.”