New Coaching Appointment

SWORDS RFC have appointed Ivan O'Kelly as assistant coach to the first team for the coming season. O'Kelly will predominantly work with the club's forwards and joins head coach, Tony Lawless, and manager, Alan Butler, as part of an experienced coaching team.

‘We are delighted to have Ivan on board this year,' club captain Shane Mulligan said. ‘He is by no means a stranger to the club and has advised the first team in the past on a number of occasions and he is of course a regular on tour each year.

‘He comes to the club having spent a number of years coaching at different levels in Clontarf and I believe he is going to concentrate on working with the forwards this year.'

The skipper paid tribute to outgoing forwards coach, Derek Brennan, who will continue to coach at seconds level. ‘I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Derek for his sterling work with the forwards, where his hand can be seen all over the vast improvement in our set piece work last season.‘I hope he'll continue to offer input with Ivan and Tony over the coming season.'