Nuala McGoey stepping down as Longford Rugby Club Ladies Coach

Nuala retires from coaching the ladies’ team after a combined 20 years with the team as player and coach.  Nuala’s input has brought the team from strength to strength over the years and will be missed by all.  

Earlier this season Nuala commented, as part of a Women in Rugby piece for International Women’s Day,

‘Getting involved in coaching was a natural decision for me. Having played rugby for the ladies’ team for a number of years, as I was getting close to retiring, there was an opportunity for a new senior coach.  There were never enough volunteers participating in ladies’ rugby and I felt I could give something to the team.

 'After some consultation and encouragement l decided to take on the role which, at the time, kept some continuity for the team.  Experience is not absolutely necessary to be involved but it does help to have the knowledge from playing.  Every day is a learning day, you are always picking up something new.

'My proudest coaching moment was the team getting promoted to Division Three and then winning the plate final. 

'I would say that the most notable change in the ladies’ side was going from having difficulty in fielding a team to the numbers growing steadily every year.

'I remember how much I had gained from playing rugby over the years and all the friends I had made, and subsequently seeing the same thing happening for other players in the team through the years is really great to see.

 'As a coach, there are many challenges and you end up doing everything related to the team.  Club and teams need volunteers.  I would encourage anyone interested in ladies’ rugby to get involved at the club.

 'Just come along and speak to coaches and club staff. There are always lots that need doing, from taking pictures, to match reports, making tea, marking the pitch etc.  Every little bit helps, and it is always enjoyable to be involved.’ 

 Maria Kelleher, Ladies captain commenting on behalf of the Longford Ladies team:

‘We would like to thank Nuala for all her time and commitment over the past few years.  Nuala always instilled a sense of encouragement and guidance for us players. She enabled each player to trust in their ability.

'Many of the players who started rugby in recent years wished they had started sooner, which is reflective of Nuala's hard work.  Nuala worked tirelessly behind the scenes in getting a full squad in place each year and having the admin side of the team in order.

'Her excellent dedication and work has not gone unnoticed and has been appreciated by each member of the ladies' squad.  Nuala will be missed, and it will certainly be strange her not being there going forward.  We hope she will continue to follow the team and join us at the Sin Bin for a quiet one after games.'

Longford Rugby Club Vice-President and Director of Ladies Rugby Karen Lennon also said:

 ‘Nuala has been a constant of Longford Ladies rugby since its foundation in 2006. As a player she was a formidable opponent, and I was always glad she was on our team – she was a mighty woman to turn over a ball or nick one against the head in a lineout.

 'It goes without saying that women’s rugby in Longford would not be where it is today without Nuala. When there was difficulty in finding a coach, Nuala stepped in and has driven the team to the success it is today.

 'There are big shoes to fill to continue with Nuala’s great work.  I would like to thank Nuala for her hard work and dedication to Women’s Rugby in Longford.’  

Club President Donagh McDonnell commented:

‘Nuala McGoey has been a huge part of our club since I have been involved.  She has put in all the hard yards both as a player and as a coach, in conditions that were often less than ideal.

 'Without people like Nuala, the ladies’ game would not be thriving as it is today. 

'The club owes Nuala a huge thanks and we hope that she will stay involved even if she is taking a step back from coaching.’

Director of Rugby Colm Glynn commented on Nuala McGoey’s time with the club:  

'It will be extremely strange seeing a Longford RFC senior ladies team in action without Nuala directly involved in some way.

'I remember her well from her playing days and she brought the same determination and skill she displayed into her coaching career.

'The greatest compliment I can pay Nuala is I know that every decision and action she has taken across all her playing and coaching days was for the better of the team and the club in general.

 'I can safely say that without Nuala’s tireless efforts our women’s team and women’s section in general would not be in as healthy a shape as it is today.

 'I will miss working with Nuala, as will everyone in the club, but I’m sure she’ll be back in some form or another in the near future. However, for now I would just like to thank her for everything she has done for women’s rugby in Longford over many many years of service.’

 All in Longford Rugby Club wish Nuala the absolute best wishes for the future and extend our appreciation for her contribution throughout the years. 

Girls Rugby - Give it a Try

Longford Rugby Club will host a girls rugby Give it a Try series over the coming weeks. The training sessions will run from 6.00pm commencing this Wednesday 19th April. For further information please contact Karen on 087449228.