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Ross Mannion is the County Sligo Rugby Development Officer in Connacht Rugby. In this role, Ross works closely with Sligo County Council and Sligo Sports Partnership – a strategic partnership between the two organisations which allows for increased funding for grassroots rugby in the county. In this role, Ross focuses on a number of key pillars of rugby participation, including working directly with National & Secondary Schools, Women in Rugby, Diverse communities, people with a disability and adult rugby.
Name and Role: Ross Mannion, Sligo Rugby Development Officer
How long have you been in the role? 2 Years as RDO, 16 or so years in various roles within Connacht Rugby
What area of Connacht do you work with (club/schools)? I cover the county of Sligo promoting the game including both national and secondary schools and Sligo Rugby Club as an outline for Children and then Adult Tag Rugby in the Summer as a fun, social outline and potentially opening the door to full contact Rugby for some. [I’m also involved with] Inclusion Rugby and Summer Camps.
What does a week look like for you in the Summer and then in season? Summer is mainly Summer Camps – both our 6 to 12 year old camps and our teen Residential camp. I am also involved in the U16 Regional Development Squad who train weekly and our Adult Tag Rugby also with Sligo. In-season is National and Secondary school blitz days, helping with club teams, helping on courses, running a TY course and helping other staff with events and blitz days in their areas.
Favourite Moment or Event? Seeing people enjoying the game and seeing people you have coached as kids or teens develop; I have seen some of them go on and play for Connacht and Ireland underage and even Connacht professionally.
What do you love about being an RDO? Being able to a have a job in a sport I love.
Why are RDOs important? Giving people the experience and opportunity to play a game they may not have naturally in their region and the hope that some of those people may go on and get as much from the game as I have.
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