A few words from the new guy!!

They say a good start is half the work and when it comes to rugby, the importance of a good pre-season is immeasurable. Similarly crucial is the right combination of players at your disposal. Quality pre-season acquisitions are often as crucial as the hard yards on the training pitch. So it came as no surprise that Swords RFC expressed their delight, after the recent acquisition of former Leinster schools captain, Mick Finglas.

Never one to shirk a challenge, the combative hooker brings a wealth of talent and experience, in spite of his mere 22 years and is relishing the prospect of senior rugby. I'm really looking forward to the coming season and I can't wait to get out there and play some rugby again,' Finglas said. A leg injury midway through last year curtailed his season and put him out of the game for six months, ultimately bringing an end to his seven year stint at AIL side Clontarf.

A former Mount Temple captain, Finglas experienced the pain of defeat at an early age, losing a junior cup final by a single point and eventually completing an unwanted double by collecting a senior runners-up medal too. That only helped galvanise his spirit and his determination - as did being deemed too small' in some quarters - and merely spurred him on to higher levels. I was called into the Leinster Schools side when I was in Fifth Year and the following season was made Leinster Captain, as well as school captain,' Finglas continued. We won two inter-provincial titles in a row, with the highlight being a win over Munster in Munster. I remember that day for other reasons too,' he laughed, ruefully recalling having his ear chewed' by his opposite number.

When asked if that kind of thing is what he expects to come across in the rough and tumble of the Leinster Leagues, Finglas was equally as joking. Yeah, I'd imagine so!' he quipped, before focussing on the season in hand. No, but being serious, I hope to play at a good standard of competitive rugby. I've played some thirds rugby with Clontarf and I know it will certainly be a higher standard than that and very physical. I enjoy the physical side of the game and the set pieces and I'm looking forward to the challenge.' Looking back to his time with Clontarf, it's hard not to wonder what might have been. A regular in the underage sides in his teenage years, Finglas went on to Captain the Under-20's side and was eventually called up to the senior panel, where he lined out for the seconds.

Indeed his school friend and fellow Tarf teammate, Darragh French, spent most of last season lining out in the AIL. But it was his stint with the 20's that ultimately provided him with the opportunity of a new start with Swords and the chance of a reunion. I played under Tony Lawless and Under-20's, so that was one of the main reasons why I decided to come to Swords. He really is a quality coach, his attention to detail is amazing and he gets involved with every aspect of training. He's highly dedicated and knowledgeable and he really helped me out with the psychological side of my game. I doubt there are many better coaches at Clontarf, or anywhere at this level.' As for the season ahead, there's a certain ambition Finglas is hoping to fulfil, which should come at least once during the season.

I've never won a match at ALSAA! I've lost twice there at schools and once with Clontarf, so that's my first aim. But I'm confident for the season ahead.
The facilities here are excellent, we've got a great coach and I'm sure that the club is going to grow in the future. I'm not too familiar with Swords as a club - I'd know a couple of guys off the team - but I know that we went very close in the last two seasons and only just missed out on promotion. If we build on that, then there's no reason why we won't go up this year.'