Former Portarlington rugby player recognised for over a decade of coaching
Pauidi Mahon has been involved with coaching rugby teams since 2012
Páidí Mahon, former Club Community Rugby Officer for Portarlington Rugby Club, has been rewarded for almost a dozen years working as a coach in the North Midlands Area.
A native of Walsh Island, Co. Offaly, Páidí played at Minis level in Portarlington RFC before going away to school in Newbridge College. On finishing school he again returned to play in Portarlington RFC and played at college level with DIT also.
In 2012, Páidí got his first exposure to the North Midlands Area working with the Under 16 boys. The Area were playing in the Shane Horgan Cup Inter-Area Competition. In addition there was a Skills Development Programme for Under 15s. Páidí’s commitment was infectious and was reflected in how many of these players came through to play with Leinster Youths at Under 18 level. Among the players coming through the programme were Jamie Osborne, Martin Maloney, Marcus Hannon, Sean Masterson and Cormac Daly who have gone on to play with Leinster, Connacht and Ireland.
In 2018, Páidí was invited to join the North Midlands girls Under 18s setup in preparation for what was to eventually become the Sarah Robinson Cup. He took his experience with the boys to help move the girls side forward. Among the players who came through the programme were Erin King, Alanna Fitzpatrick and Amy Larn now all part of the Irish Olympic 7s Programme.
In addition, Eadaoin Murtagh, Hannah Wilson, Sarah Delaney and Ruth Campbell have not only gone on to play with Leinster but are all currently involved in the Celtic Challenge representing the Wolfhounds and the Clovers. Several other players not only advanced to playing for the Ireland U18s but are actively involved with clubs at the higher levels of both the Leinster League and the All Ireland League.
Páidí's commitment and dedication was reflected with the large turnout in Portarlington RFC at the North Midlands Finals Day on December 31. Among the guests were many of the girls who are involved in the Celtic Challenge, and several of the current North Midlands Sarah Robinson squad led by their captain Emma-Jane Wilson. Also present were many of the players who came through Portarlington RFC where Páidí was the Club Community Rugby Officer for nine years.
John Treacy, Area Chair, spoke about the role Páidí had played in the Area developing young players, both boys and girls over the last 11 years. Páidí and his team of coaches have played a significant role in expanding rugby across the Area. In the meantime he has coached the Junior Cup team in Newbridge College and worked with Portarlington Rugby Club in expanding into non-traditional schools.
In concluding, John wished Páidí every success in his new position as Women’s Development Officer in the North East Area (counties Meath and Louth).