Galway Corinthians RFC have unveiled their coaching team for the new season.
Ambrose Conboy has been appointed as Head Coach with Tommy Ellard named as Assistant Coach, replacing Michael Harding and Pat Cunningham.
Galway Corinthians RFC have released a statement to the media and it reads as follows....
Galway Corinthians RFC extends a sincere thank you to 1st XV Head Coach Michael Harding and Assistant Coach Pat Cunningham as they depart the club following several dedicated seasons of service. During their time, the coaching combo played a valued role in supporting the development of the senior squad and wider club structure.
As their successful tenure comes to a close, the club is excited to look ahead to the next phase of its journey, with the 1st XV now competing in Division 2A of the All-Ireland League, continued strength across the club’s men’s and women’s teams in Connacht, two U20 squads competing at the highest level in Leinster competitions and a thriving youth and minis programme.
The club is now embarking on the next stage of its development plan and is proud to announce the appointment of Ambrose Conboy as Head Coach and Tommy Ellard as Assistant Coach ahead of the 2025/2026 AIL season.
Together, they bring elite-level coaching expertise, a strong track record in player development and a deep connection to Irish rugby.
A former Corinthians player and accomplished coach at both provincial and national level, Ambrose Conboy returns to the club with a wealth of experience, a passion for player development and a deep understanding of the game. A high performance coach with IRFU Level 5 coaching accreditation – the highest in Irish rugby – Conboy brings over two decades of experience from key roles across the national and provincial landscape.
Ambrose’s résumé includes assistant coaching roles with the Ireland U-19 and U-20 teams, where he was forwards coach for the 2018/2019 U-20 Six Nations Grand Slam. That squad featured Corinthian Dylan Tierney-Martin, the tournament’s top try scorer.
At provincial level, he has led Connacht U-18s and Juniors to success in multiple competitions and served as an Elite Player Development Officer with the IRFU and Connacht Rugby.
Throughout his time with Ireland’s underage national teams, Ambrose worked alongside respected coaches such as Paul O’Connell, Simon Easterby, Pat Lam, Richie Murphy, and Nigel Carolan, gaining invaluable insight into elite-level coaching. He has played a role in developing some of the country’s brightest talents, such as Caelan Doris, Dan Sheehan, Ronan Kelleher, Ryan Baird, Harry Byrne, and Tom Clarkson.
Ambrose has broadened his coaching perspective through professional development opportunities in New Zealand, working under the guidance of Tony Brown.
Academically, he holds a BA in Psychology and a Professional Master of Education from the University of Galway, which informs a coaching approach grounded in leadership, planning and player-centred development.
Tommy Ellard joins us after thirteen years in Dublin, where he made a significant impact at Wanderers FC — first as a player, then as Assistant Coach and Attack Coach. Over eleven years at the club, Tommy played a key role in securing two promotions and numerous other accolades, working alongside three head coaches and under the early mentorship of renowned coach Steve Aboud.
A high performance accredited coach with eight seasons of coaching experience at All-Ireland League level, Tommy’s expertise, commitment and leadership qualities are undeniable. He is currently the Defence Coach for the Connacht Senior Ladies team and recently contributed to University of Galway Rugby, continuing to sharpen his skills across different facets of the game.
Off the field, Tommy has built a successful career as a Senior Quantity Surveyor. He is also a certified Mental Health First Aider and First Aid Responder, further proof of his commitment to supporting those around him. His energy, leadership, and ability to inspire both players and staff have made him a beloved figure in every club he has been part of.
These appointments mark an exciting new era for the club. With complementary strengths and a shared vision, Ambrose and Tommy are well placed to lead Corinthians forward. We are proud to welcome not just two exceptional coaches, but two individuals whose leadership, integrity and values will enrich the entire club and community, and build on the wonderful work that has been done at Corinthians to-date.
