FOUNDING AMBASSADORS
Ulster Sports Legacy’s Founding Ambassadors represent the extraordinary breadth of sporting achievement associated with Ulster. Drawn from different sports, generations and communities, they share our commitment to honouring the past, inspiring the future and using the power of sport to create a lasting positive impact.
Tommy Bowe
Tommy Bowe is one of Ulster’s most celebrated rugby players, earning 69 Ireland caps and scoring 30 international tries. The Monaghan-born winger helped Ireland win the 2009 Grand Slam and represented the British & Irish Lions on two tours. His skill, determination and sportsmanship continue to inspire future sporting generations.
Mike Bull
Mike Bull is a double Commonwealth champion, winning pole vault gold in 1970 and decathlon gold in 1974. A Belfast-born Olympian, he represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games and broke the British pole vault record repeatedly. His achievements, coaching and charitable work exemplify Ulster’s enduring sporting legacy.
Marissa Callaghan
Marissa Callaghan is one of Northern Ireland’s most influential footballers. Capped 91 times, she captained her country on 52 occasions and led Northern Ireland to their historic first major tournament at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Her contribution to football and the community was recognised with an MBE in 2025.
Peter Canavan
Peter Canavan is one of Gaelic football’s greatest players, captaining Tyrone to their first All-Ireland senior title in 2003 and winning again in 2005. A six-time All-Star, his exceptional scoring ability, leadership and courage made him a sporting icon. His legacy continues to inspire players and communities throughout Ulster today.
Beth Coulter
Beth Coulter is a County Down golfer whose achievements span Irish, international and American collegiate golf. A Curtis Cup winner with Great Britain and Ireland, she earned All-American honours at Arizona State University before winning on her professional debut in 2026. Her talent and determination inspire Ulster’s next golfing generation.
Carl Frampton
Carl Frampton is Belfast’s two-weight world boxing champion, winning titles at super-bantamweight and featherweight. Known as ‘The Jackal’, he defeated Scott Quigg and Leo Santa Cruz in a remarkable 2016, earning international Fighter of the Year honours. His determination, skill and connection with supporters have inspired communities across Northern Ireland.
Rachel Furness
Rachel Furness is one of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated footballers. Winning 95 international caps, she became Northern Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer, across both the women’s and men’s teams, with 38 goals. She played a pivotal role in the historic qualification for UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, Northern Ireland’s first major women’s tournament.
"I am proud to be a Founding Ambassador for Ulster Sports Legacy, a movement dedicated to celebrating Ulster’s sporting heritage while inspiring future generations.
As a former Northern Ireland international and BBC Sports Personality of the Year, I have experienced first-hand the power of sport to inspire, unite communities and create lasting memories. Now working in coaching, I am passionate about giving back to the game and creating opportunities for young people to believe in what they can achieve.
As a Founding Ambassador, I am excited to celebrate the stories, people and achievements that have shaped Ulster sport, while inspiring the next generation to create their own legacy."
David Humphries
David Humphreys is one of Ulster’s most distinguished rugby figures. A former Ulster captain and Ireland international, he won 72 caps and famously led Ulster to European Cup glory in 1999. Now IRFU Performance Director, his career has combined outstanding achievement on the field with leadership at the highest level.
Jim Kirkwood
Jim Kirkwood is a former Ireland and Great Britain hockey international who won Olympic gold at Seoul 1988. A hugely respected figure in Ulster sport, he also represented Ireland at cricket. His distinguished sporting career, leadership and commitment to excellence have made him an inspirational figure across generations.
Dermott Lennon
Dermott Lennon is one of Ireland’s most accomplished showjumpers. The County Down rider made sporting history in 2002 when, riding the remarkable Liscalgot, he became Ireland’s first individual World Showjumping Champion. A European team gold medallist and multiple Nations Cup winner, Dermott has represented Ireland with distinction throughout an exceptional international career.
Gareth McAuley
Gareth McAuley is a Northern Ireland football legend, earning 80 international caps and scoring nine goals. His memorable header against Ukraine helped secure Northern Ireland’s first European Championship victory in 2016. A respected Premier League defender, his leadership, resilience and commitment embody the pride and ambition of Ulster sport. Gareth is currently the Manager of the NI Under-19 squad.
Willie John McBride
Willie John McBride CBE is one of rugby’s greatest leaders, earning 63 Ireland caps and 17 British & Irish Lions Test caps across five tours. He is the most capped British & Irish Lion in history, captaining the Lions on their unbeaten 1974 tour of South Africa. His courage, integrity and leadership remain an enduring inspiration throughout Ulster and beyond.
Phillip McCallen
Phillip McCallen is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful motorcycle road racers, with 11 Isle of Man TT victories and five wins from six starts at the 1992 North West 200.
Wayne McCullough
Wayne McCullough is one of Northern Ireland’s most accomplished boxers. Nicknamed the ‘Pocket Rocket’, he won bantamweight silver for Ireland at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before becoming WBC World Bantamweight Champion as a professional. Renowned for his courage, relentless work rate and durability, Wayne competed against some of boxing’s finest champions.
Gareth Maguire
Gareth Maguire is a former Irish international basketball player and one of the sport’s most influential advocates. Ireland’s most-capped male basketball player, he co-founded Sport Changes Life, harnessing sport and education to raise aspirations and create opportunities for young people. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to sport, education and social impact.
Stephen Martin
Stephen Martin is a three-time Olympian and former Ireland hockey captain who won bronze at Los Angeles 1984 and gold at Seoul 1988, and now chairs Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland.
Billy Murray
Billy Murray is a pioneering figure in Northern Irish kickboxing. A four-time world champion across four weight divisions, he founded Belfast’s renowned ProKick gym and has since trained generations of champions. His commitment to discipline, resilience and using sport to transform lives has made his influence extend far beyond the ring.
Julie Nelson
Julie Nelson is a record-breaking Northern Ireland international footballer, the first woman to reach 100 caps and her country’s first goalscorer at a major women’s tournament.
Rebecca Shorten
Rebecca Shorten is a World and European champion rower who won Olympic silver as part of Great Britain’s women’s four at Paris 2024, establishing her among Northern Ireland’s leading athletes.
Rosie Tennyson
Rosie Tennyson is an inspirational para-athlete whose remarkable resilience carried her through life-changing illness to complete the Crooked Lake Triathlon and become joint Belfast Telegraph Disabled Sportsperson of the Year.
Demi Vance
Demi Vance is a Northern Ireland international footballer who represented her country at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Twice named Northern Ireland’s leading female player, she has played for Glentoran, Rangers and Leicester City. Her skill, resilience and commitment have helped raise the profile of women’s football and inspire young players.