Bryan Young, noted for his scrummaging qualities during his playing days, has been unveiled at Stevenson Park as Dungannon's new forwards coach, heading into the 2026/27 season.
Young replaces Jonny Graham, who combined with Jonny Gillespie during a period of impressive progress for Dungannon who gained promotion to Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2A.
Under Gillespie, who was appointed as head coach in 2022, 'Gannon have reached three league play-offs, including this past season when they challenged strongly for promotion to Division 1B.
That leaves Gillespie's charges with plenty to build on as pre-season approaches, and their ambitious squad includes players of the calibre of Adam Milligan, an Ulster Rugby Club Player of the Year nominee, Ben McCaughey, James McMahon, and former Ulster full-back Peter Nelson.
Young is of course no stranger to the All-Ireland League, having won the Division 1 title with Ballymena back in 2003, and assisted Andy Graham when he was in charge of the Braidmen.
The 45-year-old, who won eight Ireland caps, has had coaching roles within Ulster Rugby's Elite Player and Talent Development pathways, utilising his specialist knowledge of athletic development and fitness, and set-piece and forward play.
He also gained experience in the club game at Ballymoney RFC, as scrum coach when Noel McNamara was in charge of the Ireland Under-18 Schools team, and most recently as director of sport at Dalriada School.
Young will now be tasked with getting the best out of Dungannon's pack, with Jonny Patton continuing as backs coach for what will be Gillespie's fifth year at the helm of the County Tyrone club.
