A keen footballer in his
early years, Aidan's sporting prowess became evident when he helped Carmelite
College, Moate to Hogan Cup victory in 1976 and he went on to lift the Sam
Maguire trophy with Offaly in 1982.
Aidan began playing rugby
for Athlone in the late 1970's and subsequently joined Tullamore in 1980. He
later played with Portlaoise, Creggs and Dunmore before work took him to Clifden
where he joined up with senior side Connemara. His appointment sees him become
the first Connacht Branch President to hail from Connemara RFC.
The 2011 Captain of
Ballyconneely Golf Club, Aidan takes over the role at Connacht from outgoing
President John Carr who wished his successor the very best saying: "This last season has been
incredible for Connacht Rugby and it was a huge honour for me to be President
during that term. I would like to wish Aidan every success for the coming season
and I am confident he will carry out the role with passion and dedication in
what is sure be another very exciting year for the club."
Aidan said "It is a great
honour for me to take on the role of President of Connacht Rugby. This a
particularly exciting time for Irish rugby and Connacht is very much to the
forefront in this development, contributing players to Ireland's international
sides at all levels while significantly growing player numbers at club and
schools levels. I look forward to working with all at Connacht Rugby in the
further development of rugby in the province."
© JL Pagano 2012
