Seamus 'planning' future after rugby career ends

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Good luck to the lad, I hadn't realised injury had finished him till now.

Seamus 'planning' future after rugby career ends

Published Date: 06 October 2009
Former Ulster rugby star Seamus Mallon has swapped lineout pains for outline plans in his life after professional rugby.

Having been forced out of the game after tearing a cruciate ligament in 2006, the Derry man is now pursuing a career in architecture, specialising in the design low energy, eco-friendly buildings with a twist.

Armed with a degree from Queen's University, the former St Columb's College student has been appointed to a position with 2020 Architects - one of the pre-eminent sustainable architecture firms in Northern Ireland.

Along with fellow architect Michael Howe, Seamus is currently involved in "highly innovative" schemes including the use of unusual items such as straw bales and sheep's wool for insulation.

He explained: "2020 Architects are pushing the knowledge of sustainable architecture with modern schemes of the highest quality of design yet which include sustainable principles from the outset. These include a modern sheep's wool super insulated extension in Portrush which is reaching completion, a low cost passive house utilising glulam beams and a straw bale passive house both of which are in planning.

"The straw bale passive house is something which the company is particularly proud of as this represents a first in Northern Ireland yet is a low cost, low energy solution to the issue of modern energy performance," he added.

The firm is performing impressively despite the current downturn in the building trade, according to the Derry man.

And Seamus, who is currently based at the company's Ballymoney office, is keen to bring his company's innovative designs to Derry.

"We specialise in one-off, low energy houses, however, with the decline in this market and the poor economic climate we have been receiving a lot of interest regarding very modern extensions."

Away from his work, Seamus still has a great love for the sport he dedicated much of his life to.

"I'm currently assistant player coach with Instonians in Belfast, learning my trade as a rugby coach. Some day in the near future I would love to do the same with City of Derry RFC where I began my rugby career."

Seamus had two stints with Ulster (1999-2004 and 2006-2008), earning 40 caps.

"The most memorable cap for me was when I scored the winning try in Musgrave Park to beat Munster - first time Ulster had beaten them there in over ten years."

From 2004 to 2006, the Derry player spent two seasons with Guinness Premiership side Northampton Saints gaining 25 caps and scoring 8 tries. Seamus's most memorable match for the Saints was a defeat of Leicester Tigers which ended their impressive five year record of going unbeaten at home.

Seamus also played for Ireland A, 21', and went to two 7s World Cups.
He is married to Lynsey Feeney, a former Ireland international hockey player and sister of Northern Ireland striker, Warren Feeney.