Sharkey: ‘No other sport comes close’

JONATHAN SHARKEY, Club Community Rugby Officer (CCRO), has been with Coolmine RFC for two years.

As part of his role, Jonathan not only works within the club, but covers six national and three secondary schools in the area, working with and supporting the programmes run by Fingal County Council.

Jonathan tells us about his typical day as CCRO: “On the road and into schools; hearing laughter, seeing different abilities and sharing in the joy when a player masters something they felt they could not achieve. I really enjoy working with other excellent coaches and learning while sharing. Then I go back to the club for more coaching with the underage groups.”

When asked for his favourite player, Jonathan says has no hesitation in picking Munster legend Keith Wood. “He was just an immense man on and off the pitch. He played a game of rugby that was ahead of its time. There was nothing he could not do.”

Jonathan talks about his love for the game and the best part of his role: “I really enjoy being outdoors even when it’s raining and cold watching players better themselves. No other sport comes close to the memories I have gained from rugby, both playing and now coaching.”

Jonathan says the best part of his job is meeting and working with a variety of people of all ages and from all walks of life.