Message from the Club Captain
I’m both honoured and excited to be named Old Wesley captain for the 2026/2027 season.
Coming off the back of an amazing season last year, the club feels like it’s finally where it belongs — in the top division of Irish rugby. Having played my minis rugby here and now coming into my fourth season with the senior team, it’s clear to me just how much this season means to so many people who have given so much time and energy to this club. As a senior team, we look forward to giving that back as much as we can — from the top right down to our minis and beyond.
The role is not one I take lightly, taking over from the mighty Kieran O’Shea, who led us through one of the greatest years in our club’s history. An amazing leader, and one I’ll always feel indebted to for his guidance. Our first season in 1A in almost 30 years was built on the people who laid the foundations for us — from past players to management. It’s impossible to thank everyone who made this possible, and we hope to build on that legacy for those who come after us by cementing ourselves where this club belongs.
The club’s success goes beyond the first team. Our junior teams are thriving, and our U20s are beginning to show their true potential under Adam Curry and his backroom team. I’d like to especially congratulate Stephen Smyth on joining the U20s coaching staff — and best of luck to the U20 players who’ll have him shouting at them.
What set last season apart from my previous three at the club was the connection we built with the mini section. A great deal of thanks and congratulations is owed to outgoing president Patricia Parfrey for the work she has done to build such a strong bond between the mini and senior sections — an amazing woman who exemplifies why this is a club for life. I’d also like to congratulate Wayne Sheridan, who has the tough job of following her. There’s no better man for it.
I want to thank all of the coaching team — Morgan, Alan Large, Kevin Croke and Kevin O’Callaghan — and the wider management team for all the work they do behind the scenes. A big thanks too to Darragh Coyle, who moves on from the helm of our J1s; his work, attention to detail and character were much appreciated and will be missed.
A special thanks goes to our sponsors — Forvis Mazars, Fiserv, Clover, Arachas, Spirit Motors and all of our other valued partners — who make our success possible.
Finally, to all the players, coaches, physios, management, volunteers and everyone who stands on the sideline: thank you for making last season such an incredible year. And thank you in advance for the one ahead, which we as a senior team will strive to make just as special — to give back even a little of what you’ve given us. It’s a new challenge, and one sure to come with its own bumps and bruises, but we’ve worked toward this for 30 years, and for the first time since the 90s, we set our sights on a new goal.
Yours in rugby,
Billy Corrigan, Club Captain, 2026/2027.