A keen footballer in his early years, Aidan's sporting prowess became evident when he helped Carmelite College, Moate to Hogan Cup victory in 1976 and he went on to lift the Sam Maguire trophy with Offaly in 1982.
Aidan began playing rugby for Athlone in the late 1970's and subsequently joined Tullamore in 1980. He later played with Portlaoise, Creggs and Dunmore before work took him to Clifden where he joined up with senior side Connemara. His appointment sees him become the first Connacht Branch President to hail from Connemara RFC.
The 2011 Captain of Ballyconneely Golf Club, Aidan takes over the role at Connacht from outgoing President John Carr who wished his successor the very best saying: "This last season has been incredible for Connacht Rugby and it was a huge honour for me to be President during that term. I would like to wish Aidan every success for the coming season and I am confident he will carry out the role with passion and dedication in what is sure be another very exciting year for the club."
Aidan said "It is a great honour for me to take on the role of President of Connacht Rugby. This a particularly exciting time for Irish rugby and Connacht is very much to the forefront in this development, contributing players to Ireland's international sides at all levels while significantly growing player numbers at club and schools levels. I look forward to working with all at Connacht Rugby in the further development of rugby in the province."
© JL Pagano 2012
