Page 38 - Lansdowne Yearbook 2020-21 Master Digital Edition

A MESSAGE of the success that he achieved as well as

FROM THE the atmosphere and ethos that he fostered,
cementing Lansdowne as one of the top clubs
in the country. Mike’s departure meant a rapid
CLUB CAPTAIN transition was required with Mark McHugh
successfully stepping up as head coach and
continuing to build upon the foundations
Jack Dwan created by Mike. Ben Armstrong stepped up
from the U20s as forwards coach and Phil
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Horan joined as a scrum specialist, I have
all visitors and members of Lansdowne FC. It enjoyed working closely with the new lads.
is a huge honour to return as club captain for Scott Deasy returned as backs coach having
the 2020/2021 season after an abrupt ending managed only four months away from the club
to last year. I was fortunate enough last and we were very grateful to have him back,
season to be surrounded by a strong cohort of albeit in a different role. The aforementioned
management and players who made my step 1st XV coaching staff return with a full pre-
up to captain as easy a transition as possible. season and season to develop their own squad
It was a year in which we faced numerous and I know everyone is looking forward to
challenges and overcame several obstacles, building on the work that they put in last year.
and I am grateful to everyone who worked Charlie Doel, Niamh Connolly and Dan Moore
tirelessly to help both me personally and the have also returned in their roles as J1 coach,
team throughout the course of the season. I squad physio and S&C coach respectively. We
look forward to carrying last years’ experience are also strongly supported again by Steve
with me into this season which again looks Rooney, Paddy Gore and Enda Bohan who has
like it will be filled with plenty of uncertainty! taken over from Colin Goode as Chairman. We
have been given the best possible group of
There were a number of changes to the coaches and backroom staff within Lansdowne
coaching staff during last season. Mike to fulfil our potential on the pitch and I know
Ruddock was deservedly offered a professional all the players will work tirelessly this coming
role with his native Ospreys, originally on season to ensure we achieve this.
a temporary basis which has since been
confirmed as a permanent role. I would like Last season was most certainly filled with
to thank Mike for everything he has done for plenty of ups and downs. A lot of new faces
the club over his many years as the first team joined the squad following the departure of
coach. He most certainly leaves the club in a some of the team’s pillars from the previous
better place than he found it, both in terms few seasons. We probably underestimated the
38 YEARBOOK 2020-2021