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

Quinn Roux Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Craig Gilroy Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

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

Jason Cowman Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

As is nutritionist Ruth Wood-Martin

Ruth Wood-Martin Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Missionvale founder Ethel Normoyle embraces team manager Mick Kearney

Ethel Normoyle with Mick Kearney Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Assistant coach Simon Easterby enjoys his visit to the centre

Simon Easterby Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Simon Easterby and Vinny Hammond Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

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

Ethel Normoyle meets Joe Schmidt and Martin O'Sullivan Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Some of the players giving out food

Richardt Strauss, Craig Gilroy and David Kilcoyne give out food Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Vinny Hammond, Sean Reidy, Kieran Marmion and Jared Payne give out food Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Vinny Hammond, Sean Reidy, Kieran Marmion and Quinn Roux give out food Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

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

Richie Murphy gives out a pin Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

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

Sean Cronin and Donnacha Ryan Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Sean Cronin gives out food

Sean Cronin gives out food Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

The Ireland squad watch an enjoyable presentation

The Ireland team watch a demonstration Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Kieran Marmion gets his blood pressure taken

Kieran Marmion gets his blood pressure taken Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

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