Ireland’s rugby sevens team secured last ditch qualification for the Tokyo Olympics last month, their set-up includes a Shannon man in a prominent position.

Ed Slattery is the side’s strength and conditioning coach, the Shannon native has worked with the IRFU for the past six years but this will be his first foray into the Olympic sphere in what he labelled “a once in a lifetime opportunity”.

During his four year studies at LIT, Ed volunteered with Munster Rugby in S&C roles while also getting involved with the Tipperary minor hurlers. “When I finished college I was lucky to move up to Dublin and get a position with the IRFU with the women’s fifteen team and I did four years with them, a 6 Nations and a World Cup, through that I started working with the Men and Women’s 7s teams,” he recounted”.

Since then he transitioned to working full-time with the IRFU’s 7s team and since COVID-19 he has been fully immersed with the men’s team.

Coming from a staunch rugby family, it comes as no surprise to see Ed holding such a prominent role. Jimmy Slatttery Park, the home of St Senans RFC in Shannoon is named after his late father, a former President of the club. “Rugby was always in the family and in the blood,” Slattery outlined.

Also the Head of S&C with Ballyboden St Enda’s, Slattery will for now keep his focus on matters in Tokyo with Ireland’s first outing on July 26th.