In pics: Ireland rugby squad visit Missionvale Care Centre

IT’S BEEN A pretty crazy few weeks of rugby for Ireland’s touring party in South Africa – but some of the squad and management had the chance yesterday to do something quite different.

They took a trip to Missionvale Care Centre in Port Elizabeth. The centre provides care and support for under-privileged locals, eith particular emphasis on those living with HIV/AIDS.

Captured by Inpho’s Billy Stickland, the pictures alone tell an incredible story.

Players meet the locals

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Strength & conditioning coach Jason Cowman is warmly welcomed to the centre

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Click Here: Nigeria soccer tracksuitAs is nutritionist Ruth Wood-Martin

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Missionvale founder Ethel Normoyle embraces team manager Mick Kearney

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Assistant coach Simon Easterby enjoys his visit to the centre

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

 

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Founder Ethel Normoyle meets head coach Joe Schmidt and IRFU President Martin O’Sullivan

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Some of the players giving out food

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Skills coach Richie Murphy gives out a pin and chats with the locals

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Assistant coach Simon Easterby, Kieran Marmion and head coach Joe Schmidt pose for a photo with some workers

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Sean Cronin gives out food

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

The Ireland squad watch an enjoyable presentation

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

Kieran Marmion gets his blood pressure taken

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

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