Alumni Award for Contribution to Sport 2023

Alumni Award for Contribution to Sport
Tony Regan, former Head of Sport at University of Galway

Tony “Horse” Regan served as Head of Sport at University of Galway for over 35 years and is recognised as a national figure in third level GAA circles. He managed five Sigerson Cup teams to success in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1992. He also trained the winning Fitzgibbon team in 1977 and 1980 and in his final year, was instrumental in the 2010 Fitzgibbon Cup success.

He was instrumental in the development of Dangan playing fields and running track and the establishment of the current indoor sports facilities and swimming pool on the main campus. In 1994, Tony oversaw the establishment of the University’s sports scholarship programme. This contributed enormously to enabling athletes reach their full potential. He encouraged and facilitated sports at all levels of participation, and addressed issues of equality by providing parity of esteem to both male and female competitors who represented the University locally, nationally, and internationally.

Outside University of Galway, Tony, originally from Oran, Co Roscommon, played with and captained Roscommon at senior level for a number of years. After his playing career he made significant contributions to various clubs. He trained Castlegar Hurling Club to all-Ireland success in 1980. The first time a Galway club won the title. He also worked with Salthill GAA Club and Rahoon Newcastle Hurling Club, managing and mentoring various teams to county and Connacht success.