Clan Member Introductions & Expertise

I thought it might be a good idea, given some of the feedback over the last few days, if we started a separate thread here where people can:

A ) Introduce themselves to the rest of the Clan members on this forum. While some of us know each other quite well, a lot of people, particularly newcomers, might struggle to identify anyone here in real life. Ultimately I think we'd all prefer if the discussions here could be carried over into the Clan Bar over a pint after a game, and if we could address each other on a first name basis rather than our forum aliases.

B ) Let everyone else know what skills, connections, experience etc. they have, so that if something needs to get done, then we know who to go to. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who could provide enormous help to the Clan and are more than willing to do so. While the committee is not afraid to ask for assistance when we need it (see the PA thread), in truth we could probably do a better job of making use of the greater membership, so hopefully this will help in that regard. Some of the skillsets which would definitely be of use would be: carpentry, painting & decorating, electrics, PA systems, printing, framing, travel, table quizes and so on, but you never know what might come in handy someday!

So, to get the ball rolling, here's me. My name's Dec, you might spot me in the Clan Bar sometimes and recognise me from my profile photo (I'm the one on the left ), by all means feel free to stop me for a chat. I joined the committee at last year's AGM and have helped organise the Christmas party and the player awards/Hall of Fame. I work in IT and also help run/admin this website/forum.

Ronan is the name, although most people I've meet over the years at games still seem to call me Sea_point.

Big old bugger (6'4") coming to the end of his playing days, but still rolling out for my local vets side when the body allows.

Galway born, Teens in Dublin and London & SE based for way, way too long.

Some Co.Galway on my Mum's side but both parents are originally from (and have returned to) the South East, although my old fella was heavily involved with rugby in Galway/Connacht Rugby up until the family moved to the big Schmoke. So don't actually get back to Galway that much in recent years..

Used to go to the InterPro's from an early age right up until I left Ireland at 21 in '88, though by then I was Jackeen sounding but still supporting Connacht which was always good for a laugh...

Used to go the London Irish when I was injured and couldn't play, but once the game went Pro and Connacht started playing games over here that was the end of that thankfully when I see what they've become (NotNot's).

First and best memory of a game was vs Northampton Saints back in 1997 (when Gatty was still in charge) and we turned over a near full strength Saints side in their own back yard, massive pub crawl around Northampton with the players and then sleeping on the Station platform (the Midlands in November....Brrrr) waiting for the first train back to London...

Loads of other great memories over the years on the road with Connacht especially in the early days when anything over 20 travelling supporters was a result... Narbonne, Montpellier, Catania, Dax and of course Toulouse more recently...some great evenings (and mornings).

Post "Friends of Connacht Rugby" and the collapse of the original supporters club, I got involved with fellow old skool supporter St Placide (who set it up) in helping with the Supporters Website eventually running it for about six years (moderating the forum and putting up news stories etc...)...

When the Clan finally arrived and the New Website was set up (quickly followed by Rev2.0), after some early glitches I was happy not to have to worry about maintaining the old site. So now I just put the odd crank straight on here from time to time...

I'm a lot quieter in real life when you first meet me, until you get to know me or I have a few beers in me (and then I'm exactly as on here... ).....