Page 39 - Lansdowne Yearbook 2020-21 Master Digital Edition

difficulty of integrating the new squad and it
took us a bit longer than expected to click as a
team. After a difficult start to the season during
which we lost five league games in a row and
left us bottom of the table, there was an uplift
in fortunes thanks to an increase in confidence
within the squad as well as hard work. I have
to give a massive thanks to the whole squad
and management team for the way in which
they not only continued to work hard after the
difficult start but increased the energy and
intensity within training and the group. It is a
huge testament to the mental fortitude of the
group that we rallied from this period to win
eight of our last nine games and left us with after being one of the standout players for us
an all-Ireland cup final and position in the All over the last two seasons. I wish him the best
Ireland League top four and semi-finals to look as he continues to progress with Connacht.
forward to. Congrats also to Mark Hernan who featured
prominently for an Ireland U20 side who
Unfortunately for all, things didn’t end as had their sights set on a grand slam having
we would have liked due to the onset of the won their first three games of the 6 nations
Covid-19 pandemic. What ensued were a before being cancelled because of the
difficult few months and I would like to extend coronavirus. He was unfortunate to miss out
my condolences to all members who may have on the opportunity of winning a grand slam
lost family or friends due to the pandemic and of representing Ireland in a Junior World
and to any members who are recovering from Cup but we look forward to having Mark
the disease or struggling with the continued back in a Lansdowne jersey sometime soon.
lockdown, I wish them the best and look The onward progression of Lansdowne and
forward to seeing them down in the club in the indeed other club players to the professional
hopefully not too distant future. game demonstrates the value of the club
game in developing players.
It was a pity that we couldn’t win any silverware
for last year’s President, Derry Shaw. I would We are excited to welcome several players
like to thank Derry for everything he gave to who have joined the club as well as a number
the club over his years as junior vice president, of last year’s U20s squad who now make the
vice president and president. My journey in step up to the senior squad. Their presence
Lansdowne began the same year as Derry’s and enthusiasm have been felt throughout
junior vice presidency, so we have spent a lot our preseason training and I’m sure they
of time together and it was an honour to share will continue to have an impact as we move
my year of captaincy with Derry as President. through the season. Thanks to everyone who
has made this preseason possible. A huge
A number of our teammates have made great effort went into organizing separate training
strides in the professional ranks over the past groups, locations and equipment to ensure
few months. Congrats to Dan Sheehan who was we kept within the IRFU guidelines whilst
awarded a senior contract with Leinster. Dan also ensuring we amply prepared for the
played an integral role in the team last year and upcoming season.
I’d like to wish him the best as he progresses
with his career. I’m sure it won’t be long before Covid-19 has also led to the IRFU postponing
we see him wearing the blue of Leinster. Peter the start of the All Ireland League until after
Sullivan recently earned his first senior cap Christmas for what will be a trimmed-down
for Connacht which was thoroughly deserved version of the league but winning this
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YEARBOOK 2020-2021