Academy
On 1st December 2001 Garryowen formally launched its Rugby Academy, which had been
established earlier that year to develop elite players capable of performing at
international standard. The long term objective of the Academy is to intensively nurture
and develop Ireland’s best young rugby talent.One of the Academy founding members and
Trustees is the 2002 World Rugby Player of the Year, Keith Wood. No fewer that 11 of the
2006/7 grand slam team graduated from the Academy.
CLUB HISTORY
Garryowen Football Club was founded in Limerick in 1884, and takes its name from the
Garryowen area of Limerick.The word Garryowen – the gardens of John – relates to the
association in the 12th century between St. John’s Church and the Knights Templar whose
house in Limerick was dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
The idea for the founding of Garryowen originated outside Trehy’s house (facing Carey’s
Road) when a small group including amongst others Alderman Mike Joyce MP, Alderman
Tom Prendergast,William Prendergast (his brother), felt that Limerick should have a first
class senior rugby club.After a number of meetings held in the Catholic Institute, the club
was formally constituted at a meeting held on 19th September 1884, in the Athenaeum
(later the Royal Cinema), in Upper Cecil St., and from those humble beginnings, one of
rugby football’s greatest institutions began.
The name Garryowen came to symbolise Limerick and Ireland for our exiles all over the
world.The marching song of the US 7th Cavalry is Hurrah for Garryowen and in the First
World War, the Munster Fusiliers dribbled a ball shouting Up Garryowen as their war cry,
as they went over the front into battle. The white five-pointed star on the left breast of
the Garryowen jersey represents the then five mediaeval parishes of Limerick – St. Mary’s,
St. Munchin’s, St. Michael’s, St. Patrick’s and St. John’s.
The reputation that Garryowen Football Club has achieved wherever the game is played
has been earned as a result of the consistent success of Garryowen teams spanning 119
years, right throughout the ranks from under age to senior levels.
Many famous individuals and families have represented the club, their province, country or
hemisphere with distinction. Ordinary names that summon memories of extraordinary
men: the O’Connors, O’Sullivans, Quilligans, Reids,Woods,Wallaces; Jack MacAulay, Jack
O’Sullivan (each of whom was capped by Ireland, and went on to become President of the
IRFU), Paddy Reid, Dave O’Loughlin, Sean MacNamara, Brendan Morgan and Gordon
Wood, Pat Whelan, Eddie Molloy, Billy Cronin,Tony Ward,Willie Sexton, Keith Wood (who
followed his father Gordon’s footsteps into Garryowen, Munster, Ireland and Lions front
rows) Richard Wallace and his brother David, Paul Hogan. Men that have taken up their
inheritance and the long tradition of fierce passion and tenacity mixed with a flair for the
running game.
Throughout the club’s long history, whether playing in the Market’s Field, or Dooradoyle
since 1958, Garryowen Football Club has always had – and always will have – success in
competitive football as our raison d’être. Our achievements section will give you details of
those successes. Every player who pulls on a light blue jersey with a white star on it,
whether for the first or last time, has become part of a journey that has seen consistent
success, whatever the competition.Today, our eyes are firmly fixed on the future, but our
hearts and minds are set very much in our inheritance – our very proud tradition.
SCOPE OF ACADEMY
Skills Development
Skills Development sessions (individual and unit) is the responsibility of the Garryowen FC
Director of Rugby, as well as player management, mentoring and playing a leading role in
ensuring an appropriate playing programme for all academy players. The use of top-level
analysis equipment is used on a one-to-one basis.
Conditioning Development
Conditioning Development sessions is the responsibility of the Garryowen FC Head of
Conditioning, who also plays an active role in the management of the Academy player.
Sports Medicine
All Garryowen FC Academy players undergo a medical profile with the Garryowen FC
Doctor and Physiotherapist before commencing any increased or amended training
programmes. Any further external treatment or investigation arising from arranged
appointments is recommended by the Garryowen medical staff. Other services provided
for Academy members will be Garryowen FC Dentist and Surgeon.
Sports Nutrition
All Garryowen FC Academy players receive a personalised profile by the Garryowen FC
Nutritionist, who integrates individual programmes with the Director of Rugby, Head of
Conditioning and medical staff.
Sports Science
Sports Psychology and Sports Physiology services is available to Garryowen FC Academy
players as appropriate, where it is agreed that value can be added to existing programmes
and there will be a clear impact on performance.
Performance Lifestyle
Performance Lifestyle is a lifestyle management programme.This support is available to all
Garryowen FC Academy players.
Stakeholders
The Garryowen FC Academy has the full support of the IRFU and Munster Branch, and
fully integrates with the Munster Academy structure.
All of the above is there to provide you with the rugby opportunity as well as access to
services and programmes aimed at helping you achieve your full potential in rugby.
As you have been identified as a talented athlete, now an even greater commitment is
required to achieve your goals, and the Garryowen FC Academy is there to provide you
with this key stage in your development.
Individual review and assessment
Each player will receive Individual review and assessment .This will include his
performance against the key objectives.
