“A Cupla Focail with LEO TROY” - U20s Captain for the 2024/25 Season
L-R: Conor Holland, Leo Troy and Norman Byrne
Leo Troy was a hugely inspirational and influential figure for the U20s last season, all 6 foot 2” of him!
When we sat down to have a chat, Leo started by reflecting on a thoroughly enjoyable last season and called out the home win over a good St. Mary’s team (who had beaten us well in our opening league game) as his personal highpoint. Looking ahead to the coming season Leo has been very impressed with the results of the U20 recruitment programme and believes the playing group will be fully committed to building on last season’s strong finish in the JP Fanagan Premier 2 league.
Leo has huge respect for U20’s Head Coach, Conor Holland (his rugby mentor since he was a 12-year-old in 1st year at St Benildus College) and cites this as a key reason for joining the U20 squad, which saw him join up with a number of fellow past pupils including his good friend Conor O’Buachalla.
Leo also spoke very appreciatively of the impressive resources DLSP has put into the U20 setup. In addition to working with a Leinster/IRFU certified coaching team, the squad has a dedicated strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist as well as an analyst.
As a forward himself, Leo was keen to credit former club captain Kevin O’Neill (forwards coach) and Gavin Stokes who have worked with Holland to create a very positive coaching environment that set challenges for Leo and his team mates to improve game after game.
Leo also noted the mix of players in the squad: in addition to the Benildus contingent, it includes players from Old Wesley, Oatlands, Terenure, Blackrock, DLSC Churchtown, Newpark, St. Kieran’s Kilkenny and Lucan Community College. In Leo’s view this leads to a competitive environment and a proper sense of team spirit both on and off the pitch.
Away from the rugby pitch, the versatile back-row player is proud to have been a Leinster season ticket holder for the last 12 years and is a keen soccer player who has played for Mount Merrion FC for a number of years and supports Liverpool FC.
Leo has just completed his first year at UCD where he is studying Commerce and is firmly focussed on qualifying as an accountant. He has been holding down a part-time job in his local Spar shop in addition to all the other demands on his time.
U20 Head Coach, Conor Holland, speaking on Leo’s appointment as captain, said: "It was with great pleasure and confidence that we selected Leo as our captain for this coming season. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Leo since he was a first year in St Benildus College. He was a leader back then and he remains one today. What I admire most about him is he doesn’t demand anything of anyone that he isn’t willing to do himself. A true gentleman and we have no doubt that win, lose or draw he’ll lead us with integrity this year.”
Director of Rugby, Norman Byrne, added "I’m delighted and very appreciative that Leo has agreed to take on this really important role with our Under 20s. Having worked with Leo on the rugby field for a number of seasons, I know that he will lead this group by example – both in word and deed. Leo is a great Salmo man and I know that this captaincy means a lot to him, so I hope he enjoys the honour throughout this season."
Leo is a hugely popular choice for the captaincy amongst the coaches, team management and players and says he is genuinely honoured to be asked to lead the squad this year. He thanked his vice captains Harry Machesney, Aaron Murphy and Will Saunders for their support ahead of the season and finished by saying how much he is looking forward to the year ahead.
Best of luck to Leo and his U20 team mates for the 2024/25 season!
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