IRFU announces Guinness sponsorship deal
The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced that Guinness Ireland is the new official sponsor of the three-match Autumn International Series.
The sponsorship commences with Ireland's forthcoming matches at Lansdowne Road against South Africa, November 11 (5pm), Australia, November 19 (4pm) and The Pacific Islands on November 26 (2.45pm).
Peter Boyle, president of the IRFU, said: "We formally welcome Guinness as the official sponsors of the Autumn series. Guinness has been consistent and loyal sponsors of Irish rugby down through the years and it is entirely appropriate that they should now consolidate that support by lending their brand name to such a key segment of the season as the Autumn Tests."
The pair are expected to appear before Dublin District Court later today.
The ruling follows a Supreme Court judgment earlier this year which found a section of 1935 legislation which the men were charged under was unconstitutional as it did not allow a defence of honest mistakes regarding the girlsâ age.
Todayâs hearing was brought by the DPP and involved Mr C, a 23-year-old man who was facing four charges of unlawful carnal knowledge dating from 2001 involving a girl who was aged just 14 at the time.
He was 18 at the time.
Judge Bryan McMahon, sitting at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, agreed to drop all charges against Mr C and five others.
None can be named for legal reasons.
Senior counsel for the defendants had requested the current charge remain in place.
Judge McMahon said to do nothing was not an option of the court.
âI am of the view when the Supreme Court gives the decision striking down a piece of legislation as being unconstitutional, it is incumbent on other institutions and particularly other courts in the system to apply the law as newly stated and to adjudicate and adapt appropriately in administering the law,â he said.
Judge McMahon also gave leave to the DPP to request nolle prosequis against any other men and women facing trial charged under the same offence.