Leinster Rugby v Cardiff Blues

12 caps, captaining the team to a triple
crown of victories.
Tim is now a Trustee of the club and while
he and my mum, Jackie, made an effort
to be at most of my games all around the
country, Dad would also be checking
in on how Naas were doing. While not
able to get to all the senior games as he
was supporting me, he could be found
supporting youths, U-20s and other
teams at Forenaughts.
From the time when I went to Kilkenny
College and then on to Lansdowne and
into the professional game, Naas were
always very supportive.
Messages of encouragement would
always come through from the club and
the people involved even acknowledging
the achievement of representing the Irish
Clubs while I was playing for Lansdowne.
Seeing the Naas scarf/beanie at
the Sportsground always offered
encouragement and showed the
continued support from the club. It has
been great to see a few other guys
in the current Naas senior squad
represent the Ireland Clubs team over
the last few years highlighting the
local talent. Naas has also been very
proud of all the local guys and girls
who have gone onto represent the
underage Area Squads, the provinces
and onto higher honours with the likes of
Adam Byrne, Jimmy O’Brien and James
Tracy in the current Leinster set up with
many others involved in other provinces
and the professional game.
It is also great to see two more local
lads, Marcus Kiely and Jamie
Osborne involved with the
Leinster sub-Academy and
playing for Naas.
As a member of the coaching team
at Naas, we look to help them
improve their games and remain
involved with the club going forward
where guys and girls feel that by playing
for Naas they will be in a good position
to take their game to the next level.
The professional game has given me
great insight and many learnings that I
look forward to sharing back at the club
where it all started.
During the current Covid-19 restrictions,
the senior coaches have been assisting
in player development with youth and
mini squads. We look forward to the
continued development of these players,
ultimately feeding into the U-20 and adult
game. The commitment is there among
the coaches and the players, all of which
should result in positive developments for
the club in years to come.
www.leinsterrugby.ie | 69 | From The Ground Up