2024 Directors Announced

Following the recent AGM we are pleased to announce the 2024 Board of Directors.

The following names are part of a full ticket that was nominated and elected unopposed.

President - Adam Fletcher Vice President - Ian Joliffe Secretary - Tim Cahalane Finance Director - Warren Walsh

Director - Kevin Carlin Director - Ray McDonald Director - Mark Cannon

Adam is the founding President (2013-2020) and Life Member #1 of Penrith RSL JRUC. In teaching for over 20 years he served as Parramatta Diocesan Primary Schools Rugby Convenor and Team Manager. He was part of the Penrith Junior District for ten years joining the foundation committee soon after it re-started in 2011. More recently Adam assisted NSW Catholic Colleges as a selector.

Ian Joliffe is a 400+ game veteran of the Penrith Legless Emus and a long-time committee member serving in various executive roles. Ian has previously held board positions and is Life Member #17 of the Penrith Emus. He is still an active committee member, volunteer, player and referee for the Legless Emus.

Tim Cahalane is a two-time Shute Shield Premiership winner and 200-game veteran for the Parramatta Two Blues. He continued his playing career with the Penrith Emus and then later the Penrith Legless Emus when he moved to walking distance from Nepean Rugby Park. He remains an active member assisting with the planning and running of the new Over 35s Friday night concept.

Warren Walsh played over 300 games for the Penrith Emus and then over 100 more for the Legless Emus. Warren has served in a host of roles over the years. He has twice received the Emus’ Club Person of the Year and is Life member #16. 

Kevin Carlin has the most recent previous board experience of the team as an Executive member during Julian Huxley’s time at the club. He has played over 200 games for the Penrith Legless Emus and served 11 years as President. Kevin brings 25 years of senior management experience including project and programme management, stakeholder engagement, people management, and managing budgets.

Ray McDonald is Penrith Emus Life member #11. He is a longtime committee member of the Penrith Emus and Golden Oldies. He is also a foundation player with the Penrith Legless Emus accruing over 300 games. 

Mark Cannon is a past President and General Manager of the Emus. He is a former Club Person of the Year for his roles around the club including coaching. He played 147 games winning premierships with the Emus and is Life Member #6. Mark has a thorough understanding and knowledge of the club’s history.

The Board’s collective aims for 2024 are to;

• prepare the club to return to playing rugby.

• plan events to celebrate the club’s 60th anniversary in 2025.

• ensure the club recognises past players and volunteers by storytelling, engraving trophies, updating records, and honour boards.

• encourage prospective future board members, who will ensure excellence in administration, to join the club as members.