Director of Sport and Director of Rugby
As games in general and rugby in particular continue to grow and develop in Clongowes, the Headmaster has created the new positions of Director of Sport and Director of Rugby, which have been filled by John O’Donoghue and Daryl Maxwell respectively (pictured above with the Headmaster, Chris Lumb – John on the left). Both men are well known to the wider Clongowes community as prefects in the Higher and Lower Lines, have been involved in rugby and other coaching since their arrival in the school three years ago and are looking forward to the challenge of guiding the ever expanding sports programme in the college.
The Director of Sport is responsible for the day-to-day management of sport in the College and its strategic development. He has responsibility for staff in charge of individual sports disciplines: rugby, athletics, soccer, swimming, tennis, cricket, kayaking etc.
John O’Donoghue attended CBC Cork, where he played for their SCT in 2009. After school he played rugby for Con Con under 20s, Clonakilty RFC (AIL) and Old Christians RFC (J1). A graduate of Cork Institute of Technology (where he was head rugby coach), John is a Bachelor of Business in Sports and Exercise and also holds a Diploma in Recreation and Leisure Management.
John studied Outdoor Education in Kinsale College of Further Education and was the forwards coach for the CBC victory in the MacCarthy Cup in 2012 and the JCT success in 2015. John’s sporting interests also extend to watersports and worked in many outdoor centres around Munster as an Irish Canoe Union kayaking instructor and an SPA rock climbing instructor. John is currently in his third year as assistant coach for the JCT team.
The Director of Rugby is responsible for the day-to-day management of rugby in the College and its strategic development, ensuring that it remains at the heart of the College’s co-curricular programme. He has overarching responsibility for the co-ordination of all rugby coaches, fixtures and Wednesday and Saturday afternoon rugby, and other practices.
Daryl Maxwell attended the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and was captain of the SCT. After school he played interprovincial rugby for the Ulster Under 18 Schools’ and then two years with the Ulster Under 20s , where he was captain in his second year. Daryl also played for his home club Malone in the AIL for seven years before moving to Clongowes and still togs out when his job gives him the time.
Daryl took a foundation degree in sports, exercise and fitness at University of Ulster and is currently completing a BA Hons degree in Sports Coaching there as well as studying to be an IRFU qualified Stage 4 Head Coach. He worked in Campbell College for three years coaching them to a JCT victory in 2012. In Clongowes he was head coach of the Under 14 team and this year will be part of the SCT coaching team.
Declan O’Keeffe, Head of Communications
