McClearn Appointed As Galwegians Head Coach

Galwegians have confirmed the appointment of former lock and club captain Brian McClearn as their new head coach for 2016/17 and beyond.

A native of Abbey-Duniry in east Galway, Brian McClearn joined Galwegians in 1999 from Nenagh Ormond and was a prominent member of an Under-20 squad which also included John Muldoon and Ray Hogan who both went on to play professional rugby.

McClearn came through the ranks at Galwegians and served as a long-standing member of the senior squad. A lock forward and lineout specialist, he captained the ‘Wegians 2nd XV to Connacht Junior Cup success in 2008.

An ever present in the ‘Wegians second row from 2008, he continued playing senior club rugby right up until his retirement in 2015, when he captained the club’s senior team to promotion from Ulster Bank League Division 2A to Division 1A in two consecutive seasons.

Last season he cut his coaching teeth by serving as head coach at NUIG RFC. So he now assumes the mantle at Crowley Park where he succeeds the recently departed Matt Brown.

Galwegians hope that McClearn’s knowledge of the senior squad, many of whom are recent former colleagues, and his deep insight into the club culture will allow for a quick bedding-in period. His first challenge will be to try regain the Connacht Senior League title in August, before having another tilt at promotion from Ulster Bank League Division 1B in the autumn.

McClearn said: “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed senior coach at Galwegians at such an early phase in my coaching career. The club, although hurting from recent relegation from Division 1A, are determined to make every effort to get promoted again.

“My job is to make sure that all of the playing resources at our club are maximised to the hilt. I have a terrific team and committee supporting me at the club and I cannot wait to get started on this journey.”