Author: Milena Malaquias

At only the age of 21 years old, Dylan has made history by becoming our youngest club captain ever!

Dylan is originally from Ballinfoile Park on the Headford Road, and first joined Wegians at the age of 8 years old, since then he never stopped playing.

Alongside one of his best mates, Andrew Sherlock (also promoted to vice-captain), they played many years together throughout underage, up to senior level.

Full of pride, Dylan states that “Galwegians has been a massive part of my life growing up, and has had such an influence on the type of person I am today, making memories and friends along the way. So to get to represent this club as captain at senior level is an unbelievable honour and privilege!”

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m 21 and from Ballinfoile Park on the Headford Road. At the moment I’m in the 3rd year of my electrical apprenticeship.

When did you start at Galwegians?

I think I was around 8 year old when I first joined Wegians and started playing rugby. I’ve played with Andrew Sherlock all the way up through underage to senior level.

What is your favourite position?

I play flanker, preferably No. 7

What does Galwegians mean to you?

Galwegians has been a massive part of my life growing up and has had such an influence on the type of person I am today, making so many memories and friends along the way. So to get to represent this club as captain at senior level is an unbelievable honour and privilege.

Then to be the youngest ever captain is surreal, especially when you know some of the greats who have represented this club as captain before me.

What are your goals for the coming season?

I feel there definitely is an excitement around the squad from players and coaches going into this season. Lads have been putting in massive work in the off-season. There is some great talent coming through and we have another year of experience as a young team. I feel like this season is one where we need to attack. I want us to grab it with both hands and set out to win every game we play. Top spot is our main goal and playoffs are the bare minimum for our AIL 2B campaign.

University of Galway has kindly been allowing students on their BA degrees in journalism and in media studies to work with Galwegians as interns for the last few years. This has made a huge contribution to our club communications, especially in the social media area. It also helps the interns build their own skills and CVs.

This year we are hosting our first female intern, Milena Malaquias de Albuquerque.

Where are you from?

I’m from Italy, a small village on the Alps at the border with Switzerland and France. Originally, I was born in Brazil and I moved to Italy when I was a child.

When did you come to Ireland?

I moved to Ireland in August 2021. I came first as an exchange student for the year in Westport, Co. Mayo.

The more time I spent here the more I fell in love with it. I decided to stay and finish my studies here. I did my Leaving Cert the year after and moved to Galway for college in September 2023.

So you are at the University?

Yes! I’m currently a 3^rd year student at University of Galway majoring in Global Media. This and my love for sport is what led me to Wegians.

Why did you choose Galwegians for your internship?

All my life I’ve been involved in sports. I played Volleyball back home and I dedicated all my childhood and teenage years to it. I had to quit because of my studies and wanting to go abroad. When I first came to Ireland I joined rugby as a social thing to meet new people and to keep up with sports! I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would!

The reason why I chose to intern with Galwegians is that it gives me the opportunity to combine rugby with the experience an actual sports media environment.

What are your goals for the year?

I hope to learn as much as I can about the world of social media, and sports communications in practice. This internship will be useful and important for my degree and making to a possible future in sports media.

So what is your dream job?

My dream would be to work for one of the biggest media companies, and to get work up close with elite athletes around the world.