Page 113 - Lansdowne Yearbook 2020-21 Master Digital Edition
P. 113

What is your coaching background?

         On moving home to Ireland in late 2012, I took
         up a small role with DUFC as Assistant Backs
         coach, helping Tony Smeeth.
         In the summer 2014, Mike Ruddock asked me
         to come to Lansdowne to coach the backs, a
         request I could never refuse.

         Also  had  the  privilege  to  be  appointed  as
         Ireland  Club  International  team  Assistant
         Coach in 2016, beating France in Paris before
         losing to Scotland in Cork.
         2020 appointed Head Coach of Lansdowne FC.  Who are the best players you’ve played with and
                                             against?
         Life outside Lansdowne
                                             Played with: Thomas Castaignede
         I  live  in  Malahide  with  my  wife  Orlaith  and
         we have three beautiful children – Lucas, 10,   Played  against:  Christian  Cullen  (he’s  still  my
         Jacques, 8 and Elodie 3. I work for Paddy Power   favourite  player  of  all  time  and  although  he
         Betfair in their Compliance function, heading   wasn’t at his peak when he played for Munster,
         up  the  Regulatory  Licensing  department.   he was still quite handy!)
         Great company to work for, only downside is
         the commute from Malahide to Clonskeagh.  And finally…Tolteca or Boojum?
         When I’m not working, coaching or parenting, I   Afraid I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. Are
         enjoy playing a bit of tennis. Scheduled to play   these restaurants? Don’t think I’ve ever eaten in
         ex Lansdowne President, Mr Kieran Mulligan   either. Give me a sushi restaurant over either of
         but he’s running scared and has so far refused   them any day!
         to play!
                                             Thanks Mark and best of luck for the rest of the
         Try  to  get  to  the  gym  three  or  four  times   season!
         a  week  in  an  effort  to  stay  both  mentally
         and  physically  healthy  which  I  think  is  so
         important.




















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