Former Ireland coach to take charge of Buccaneers

Buccaneers have pulled off a major coup with the high profile appointment of Eddie O'Sullivan as the club's new senior head coach.

O'Sullivan led Ireland to Triple Crown success on three occasions (2004, 2006 and 2007) during his tenure as head coach of the national team.

He was in charge when Ireland claimed a famous victory over England at Croke Park in the 2007 Six Nations championship. In that year, O'Sullivan's side was only denied the Six Nations title by a questionable late French try against Scotland, with the French edging out Ireland on scoring difference.

O'Sullivan will replace Kolo Kiripati, who stepped down from the role in recent weeks, having guided Buccaneers to promotion from Division 2A of the All-Ireland League. Buccs will compete in Division 1B of the Energia All-Ireland League next season.

A native of Youghal, Co. Cork, O'Sullivan moved to Galway in the 1980s when he was working as a teacher. He began his coaching career with Monivea in Galway.

This won't be first time for O'Sullivan to coach Buccaneers as he previously coached the Athlone club in the 1990s, guiding them to promotion from Division 3 to Division 1 of the All-Ireland League. In their first season in Division 1, Buccaneers finished in the top four.

In addition to coaching Ireland, O'Sullivan has been head coach of the United States rugby union team and Biarritz Olympique in France.

During his time as Ireland coach, O'Sullivan brought the national team to Athlone for a training session, giving local rugby fans a chance to see stars like Brian O'Driscoll training at Dubarry Park.

O'Sullivan is also a respected rugby pundit, often appearing on RTE and other outlets.

In addition to playing rugby for Garryowen among other teams, O'Sullivan played Gaelic football with Mountbellew/Moylough, and he was fitness adviser to the Galway team when John O'Mahony led the Tribesmen to the Sam Maguire Cup in 1998 and 2001.