Category: Notices (Page 4 of 4)

Galwegians have confirmed the appointment of former player and club captain Brian McClearn as their new Head Coach for 2016-17 and beyond.

A native of Abbey-Duniry in East Galway, McClearn joined Wegians in 1999 from the Nenagh club and was a prominent member of an U-20 squad which also included John Muldoon and Ray Hogan who both went on to play professional rugby. McClearn came through the ranks at Galwegians and served as a long-standing member of the senior squad.

A lock forward and line out specialist, he captained the Wegians 2nd XV to Connacht Junior Cup success in 2008. An ever present in the Wegians second row from 2008, McClearn continued playing senior club rugby right up until his retirement in 2015, when he captained Wegians Senior XV to promotion from UBL Division 2a to Division 1a in two consecutive seasons.

Last season he cut his coaching teeth by serving as Head Coach for NUIG RFC. So he now assumes the mantle at Crowley Park where he succeeds the recently departed Matt Brown. Galwegians hope that McClearn’s knowledge of the senior squad, many of whom are recent former colleagues, and his deep insight into the club culture will allow for a quick bedding-in period. His first challenge will be to try regain the Connacht Senior League title in August, before having another tilt at promotion from UBL Division 1b in the autumn.

McClearn said: “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed senior coach at Galwegians at such an early phase in my coaching career. The club, although hurting from recent relegation from UBL Division 1A are determined to make every effort to get promoted again and my job is to make sure that all of the playing resources at our club are maximised to the hilt. I have a terrific team and committee supporting me at the club and I cannot wait to get started on this journey.”

The IRFU meets periodically with clubs to discuss all aspects of rugby in Ireland.

They are very conscious that significant societal and economic forces are now affecting club rugby.

The IRFU have issued an interesting discussion document and a letter, available here on our club website:

• Senior Clubs Meetings – briefing paper
• AIL Club Meetings letter

The club committe is keen to receive views about club rugby from any member.

Please email our club secretary Noel Lowndes () by Jan 27th 5pm. He will collate questions and bring them to the meeting.

I am both delighted and honored to be President of Galwegians RFC for season 2015-16 and I look forward to welcoming all visiting clubs, guests, players, parents and club members to Crowley Park.

Firstly, I must express gratitude for the outstanding work last season by our outgoing President, Joe Healy, our senior coach, Matt Brown and our club captain, Jarlath Naughton. Their contributions on and off the field to an immensely successful season have resulted in our promotion to Division 1 A of the Ulster Bank League which kicks off on the 12th September at Crowley Park.

I would like to encourage all to attend this opening match of what is sure to be an intriguing season for our senior team.

My best wishes are extended to Emer O’Dowd, our Director of Women’s Rugby, and to John Folan and the “DoR Team” as they steer our great club through what we all hope will be another successful season.

They will require much support from their fellow Club Officers, Trustees, Coaches, Managers and the numerous unsung volunteers who give so much of their time to ensure all our teams, from Minis to Seniors, are as well placed as possible to play, enjoy and compete in our sport.

I wish to thank all members who supported our Golf AM AM last June and those who have taken advertising boards at our pitch sides.

To our sponsors Cold Chan, Connacht Hotel, The Front Door, Kingfisher Club, Kukri, RDJ and Flannery’s Hotel I extend a big thank you and I encourage all club members to support and acknowledge our sponsors wherever relevant.

I’d like to take this opportunity to remind all Galwegians and the entire local community about two important upcoming events. On Saturday 12th September we, in partnership with Galway Hospice Foundation, will host a “Barn Dance” fund-raising event under a marquee at Glenina.

Please inform all your families and friends about these upcoming events and encourage them to attend. These events are of great importance for both our club and partners and will require the efforts of all Galwegians to be properly promoted so that they can be successful,

I look forward to seeing you throughout the season and urge you all to support our teams from Minis through to Senior levels throughout the 2015/16 season.

Best wishes to all and have a great season!

Dick O’Hanlon President 2015/16

Galwegians are hosting a Barn Dance on Sat Sep 12th.

Plans a well advanced, with top music and a marquee to be erected.

This is shaping up to be one of the biggest social events of the coming season.

The dance will be in aid of Galway Hospice in memory of Anne Watty Fitzpatrick.

Watty was a good friend, a team member and supporter of rugby, who passed away after battling cancer for over 10 years.

Tickets are €10 from Womens players, committee or email