Meet The AWD Team

Shane Byrne

James Shane Byrne (born Sunday 18 July 1971) is a former Irish rugby union hooker. He is nicknamed 'Munch' or 'Mullet' (a reference to his hair style). A native of Aughrim, County Wicklow, Byrne played Gaelic football up to under-16 level with the local Aughrim club. He attended Blackrock College in Dublin, the Alma mater of many Irish greats. Shane is a director with Arklow Waste Disposal, his family business.He is also head of operations for Focus International Property. Byrne is married to Caroline (a native of Co. Monaghan) and has twin girls Alex and Kerry.

He plied his trade for many years at Leinster. His international career started comparatively late and did not blossom until the retirement of Keith Wood. When eventually given his chance in a World Cup qualifier in Romania he took it and became a fixture in the national side. In 2005 he was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand and played in the first and third tests. Byrne has a total of three tries for his county, scoring twice in one match against Wales in the 2004 six nations. Following the Lions tour his contract talks with Leinster were inconclusive and he joined Saracens in the summer of 2005 for two years, before returning to Ireland. Byrne participated in a Charity You're A Star edition on RTÉ in the Helix, DCU. His chosen charity was GOAL, an Irish founded charity group.

In June 2008, Byrne revived his GAA career with the local Aughrim club after a 17-year lapse, lining out at centre-back in a Wicklow junior ’C’ league game against Coolkenno. His switch to the full-forward position did not stop Aughrim from crashing to a heavy defeat.

In June 2010 Byrne announced his involvement in RuckingBall.com, an online community for the development of school-boy rugby, coaches and parents.
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Billy Byrne 

Billy Arthur Byrne (born 7th June 1968) joined his father to run AWD after finishing his schooling in Blackrock College, Dublin at the age of 18. Billy is a passionate rugby lover and played with the Leinster Juniors in his late twenties, he also played with Arklow Rugby Football Club for over 15 years.  Billy is married to Dianne (native of Aughrim Co Wicklow).  They have 2 daughters, Sophia & Zoe and live in Arklow Co. Wicklow