Congratulations to former staff member and student Gerry Kelly, who was honoured at this week’s annual Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards in Dublin.

Gerry was presented with the Tom Rooney Award, which is awarded to a person or club who has made a significant contribution to rugby in Ireland.

Gerry became Connacht’s first CEO in 1999, ushering in the professional era for the province and oversaw substantial growth, including an increase in clubs from 16 to 28 and the development of rugby in non-traditional schools.

He retired in 2012, and his dedication and leadership remains instrumental in Connacht’s progress and development over the past two decades.