Andrew Farley set for emotional reunion

Last August, when Andrew Farley returned to Galway as Grenoble team manager for a pre-season clash with Connacht, he was chuffed to be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the home supporters.

Fri, 08 Apr, 2016 - 01:00

John Fallon

The Connacht clan availed of his return in his new capacity to honour a man regarded as one of the best signings the province has ever made.

Farley said he was honoured and humbled to receive the award — but little did he think that before the season was out, Connacht would be coming into his own domain seeking to grasp the European Challenge Cup semi-final spot which is up for grabs.

“I really enjoyed my time with Connacht and had six wonderful years there,” said the Australian, who went on to be capped by Ireland A and came within a whisker of a full cap.

Farley, a fans’ favourite from the moment he joined in 2004, enjoyed six successful seasons with Connacht before moving to France in 2009 where the lock forward captained Grenoble to promotion to the Top 14.

“I made many friends during my time in Galway and have managed to keep in touch with many of them since moving to France.” A native of Brisbane, Farley played U19 and U21 with Queensland Reds before progressing to the Australian U19s and U21s.

He played for L’Aquila in Italy and for Otago in New Zealand before being drafted into the Queensland Reds squad in 2002.

He then moved to Swansea for a season before being snapped up by Connacht.

He was made Connacht skipper less than a year after arriving and went on to make 109 league and 40 European appearances for Connacht, captaining them for three of his six seasons at the Sportsground.

He made an immediate impact after moving to Grenoble and was appointed captain as the ambitious Alpine club set about getting promoted from Pro D2.

They achieved that in 2012, and then two years ago he announced his retirement from playing at the age of 33.

But Grenoble were keen to hold on to his services and he was appointed team manager, helping the club strengthen its position in the Top 14.

“It’s an enjoyable job and it’s great to stay involved in the sport. We have made a lot of progress here in the past few seasons and to continue that development,” said Farley, who has worked as a HR project manager in a number of private businesses since moving to France.

Having Bernard Jackman and Mike Prendergast involved on the coaching team ensures there is always Irish news floating around, with James Hart, Chris Farrell, and Denis Coulson also on the playing roster, while Connacht’s stand-in out-half Shane O’Leary spent a season there.

Farley has settled well in Grenoble with his Welsh wife Lucy and their two daughters.

It took him some time to get used to the French way of doing things but he quickly picked up the language and, like his time in Galway, wasn’t long ingraining himself into the local community.

“It’s a very good lifestyle, we love it here and we are looking forward to welcoming all the people from Galway and Connacht this weekend,” said Farley.

Their win away to Oyonnax last weekend has moved them within shouting distance of a play-off spot but having spent six great years with Connacht, all of Farley’s focus this weekend will be on gaining the win over them which would send his side into the last four of an European competition.

The last Grenoble and Connacht met in an European competition, Farley came out on the winning side when the Irish side emerged victorious over two legs.

Farley will of course want that result reversed tomorrow night but you suspect if the result doesn’t go the way of his side, he won’t begrudge a club that he became an integral part of.