Paddy takes over from Justin Fitzpatrick and follows a line of illustrious former Dungannon players who have coached at Stevenson Park. Paddy’s love of rugby started at 7 years of age when he began playing mini rugby with Dungannon. He then played for the Royal School Dungannon before joining the senior ranks at Dungannon in 1987. First capped by Ireland in 1990, Paddy had a professional spell at Saracens, where he helped them win the English Tetley Bitter Cup in 1998. On his return to Dungannon, Paddy captained his club to the first AIL win by an Ulster club in 2001. Paddy, capped 59 times by Ireland, also captained Ireland and Ulster before retiring in 2002.
Dungannon President George Gallagher enthused “I am very pleased that Paddy has accepted the post. Fitzy and Kieran will be a hard act to follow but Paddy has been here since he was a young boy, he knows the Club and the senior players. He is a very motivated man who will expect much from his charges but will give them more in return.”
Paddy commented “Justin and Kieran have been great servants to Dungannon Rugby Club over the past decade, both as players and as coaches. The time, effort and commitment both men have shown during their time at the Club is truly enormous. They will be greatly missed at Dungannon and I wish Justin and Kieran both the very best for the future. We have a fantastic group of people at Dungannon Rugby Club both on and off the field. I am confident that we have the talent and desire at the Club to drive on with the progress that has been made by Justin and Kieran over the past 3 years. I am both humbled and honoured to be given the role of Head Coach at Dungannon Rugby Football Club.
