Laying down the Law

Some folk around ALSAA would have been forgiven for thinking they were experiencing deja vu last month, when a familiar face was spotted putting the rugby team through its paces. However, their eyes weren't deceiving them. Former Aer Lingus coach Tony Lawless has returned to take up the reigns once more, this time with the club competing under the Swords RFC name.

Lawless enjoyed a highly successful spell, both on and off the pitch at Clontarf and further coaching successes at schools level with Mount Temple, but it¹s easy to realise why he regards ALSAA as home. Much may have changed around the club since his last venture by the airport, but in terms of ambition, focus and leadership, some things stay the same. "It's great to get back into a senior rugby team again," he said. "Aer Lingus is where I started with senior rugby and the guys were great then. The camaraderie is still there and the passion and sprit is excellent and once you get those things, the rugby pretty much looks after itself. It's a case of getting organised."

A former St Paul's schoolboy, Lawless played U-19s rugby for Clontarf, before he started working for Aer Lingus in 1989 and joined the rugby team the same year. As captain of the club, he led them to success in the final of the J3 cup, before returning to Clontarf, where he lined out with the first team for four seasons, eventually achieving promotion to the top flight in his final season.

Lawless returned for his second spell at Aer Lingus where, as player coach, he led them to back to back promotions in the late 1990's. Further coaching spells at Clontarf brought more success at seconds and thirds level, before he moved into schools coaching. As for the club today - now competing as Swords RFC - Lawless was quick to note the changes. "I think it looks like there's more of a progressive set up then before. The club has made the move from an exclusive employees only set-up, to take in the Swords area. It has merged into a community rugby club as opposed to a business set-up."

Not only have things changed in administrative terms; familiar faces on the pitch are few and far between. There is a mainly new crop, with Richie Cowman, Dave Cahill and Mike Finnegan being the only three who would have played the last time I was here,¹ Lawless continued. "So there's a new bunch of guys to work with, with new ideas, which is great. It's very easy for guys to slip into old habits if they have experience of a coach or style of play, so I'm looking forward to a new start."

The club have continued to recruit during the summer, with outhalf Dave Flynn and hooker Mick Finglas the latest new signings - both coming from Clontarf - and the coach has recognised the need for recruitment at this level. "We are still negotiating with some other players and we are hopeful of a couple more, but the club has introduced a proper recruiting policy and is looking for players  to strengthen the squad."

Pre-season training begins next week with the first matches kicking off in six weeks time. Ahead of the coming season, there appears to be a definite air of expectancy around the club. Does the coach share in the confidence? "Absolutely. I think it is crucial going into something believing that you can achieve what others before you haven't. The set up looks good and the players are keen. I wouldn't have taken on the job if I wasn't confident. I have always been lucky enough to have success with the teams I¹ve been involved with and there¹s no reason why that can't continue."