We are pleased to introduce our captains and coaching team for the 2022/23 season ahead, profiled below.
1st XV Captain – Darragh Stafford
Originally from Lexlip but moved to Offaly where he began his underage career with Edenderry RFC. Darragh moved to Barnhall to play Senior rugby before joining the Parish. Darragh has done two stints with the club form 2014-2016 and 2018 to current. He was Vice captain of the Metro 5 league winning side and Captain for two seasons.
Mr Stafford considers himself a utility forward, in that no position is beneath him. When Darragh isn’t playing rugby, he enjoys classical music and long walks on the beach.
2nd XV Captain – Gavin O’Neill
Gavin joined the club in 2015 after a 15 year break from playing (some people would claim the break continues to this day!) Originally from the wild west, Gavin is entering his 8th season of moaning at refs, sleeping in pubs and dying the day after a match. Propping mostly but dreams of being let out into the rows. Loves to let people know about “that try v Marys” for you own sake don’t ask.
“Its a great club, its given me the chance to play in places that most of the pros played in, the craic is mighty – training can be intense but lads have a joke before and after, we get a sprinkle of people at our matches and the nights out can be epic, lads love to muck in together and we keep going no matter what. We are the underdog but we’re catching up with the minis and the new pitches”
Director of Rugby – Mens’ Teams – Gavin Sadlier
Born in Rathfarnham, Gavin is a second-generation club man, he has been fortunate to see the club go through two name changes and two changes of home grounds. Gavin began his career with DLSP and played until u20s.
He then took a sabbatical from Rugby until 2016 when he joined the Parish. He has played for each team in the club and was involved in the Metro 5 league winning side.
Head Coach – Mens’ Teams – Eoghan Kennedy
Eoghan joined the club in 2008 as a player but was forced to retire due to injuries, making him free to take up a coaching role. Eoghan oversaw the clubs 3rd XV for two season before taking the jump up to the 2nd XV for the 2017-18 season where he orchestrated the successful defense of of the Dr. Foley Cup.
In 2018 Eoghan took over as Head Coach for Stillorgan-Rathfarnham RFC. In 2019 Eoghan took over the role as Director of Rugby for Stillorgan-Rathfarnham RFC. Eoghan is an IRFU LTPD Stage 3 accredited coach.
Head Coach – Mens’ Teams – Sean Furlong
Sean joined the club from New Ross RFC in 2014. Having captained his hometown club Sean instantly started contributing to the leadership of the 1st XV and was appointed as club captain for the 2015/16 season which saw him lift the Jim Byrne Cup. Sean was re-appointed as captain the following season.
In 2018 Sean hung up his boots and took up a coaching role in the club . In the 2019, Sean was appointed Head Coach of Stillorgan-Rathfarnham RFC. Under Sean’s leadership, the club had one of its most successful years in recent time, with the 1stXV winning a league title and the 2nd XV securing a playoff spot and a promotion to Division 7. This is Sean’s 4th season coaching in the club. Sean is is an IRFU LTPD Stage 3 accredited coach.
Coach – Shane O’Brien
Shane has been at the club for the last 10 years and was club captain for the 2009/10 season. Having established himself as a regular with the 1st XV, Shane took over as Head Coach in June 2014 and held the position for three seasons. Following this Shane moved into the role of Director of Rugby until 2019.
Shane continues to support the club during the season offering his expertise and advice to players and coaches. Shane also coaches in St. Michael’s College where he is the Head Coach of their Junior Cup Team.
Shane is an IRFU LTPD Stage 4 accredited coach.
