Neil Ryan

Name: Neil Ryan

Email Address: neil_m_ryan@hotmail.com

Date of Birth: 18/12/1978

Position: Right Half Back

Previous Clubs: Rossa (1986-1988)

Honours: Junior C'ship 2001; U12 Div 2 League Winner; Senior Footballer of the Year 2001; Under 12 Footballer of the Year; 12 Minor County Appearances; 1 Senior County Appearance

Other Pastimes: Judo. Neil is a 2nd Dan Blackbelt and has represented Ireland in several International tournaments including the Youth Olympics, Canadian, British, and Scottish Opens. He is the current Queen’s University Captain and Chairman and has captained the men’s team to 3 Irish Intervarsity titles.

Favourite Player: Sean Martin Lockhart

Neil joined the Ogs in 1989, having previously played for Rossa from 1986 to 1988 and has played for Eire Og at all levels from Under 12 upwards.

Neil Ryan
C'ship 2001 Semi-Final

He began as a goalkeeper and stayed in that position until he was 18. Then for two seasons Neil was played in all positions until he found his niche in the half back line, especially at right half back.

Neil Ryan
Ulster Junior Club C'ship 2001

But it was as a goalkeeper that Neil made the county Minor team and indeed turned out once for the senior team. But he has now become one of Eire Og's strongest players playing at half back, having won the Player of the Year 2001 award. When asked what his favourite score was, he answered "Any I can get as they don’t come that regularly".

Neil's most memorable moment was winning Junior Championship in 2001, which he also regards as Eire Og's best win. Another, slightly more infamous, memory was the pitch invasion and brawl with Aldergrove in the Championship which resulted in both teams being thrown out of the competition. On a lighter note, hearing Paul Taggart played as a forward in San Francisco sticks in Neil's mind as being one of the funniest things he's heard in football!!!

Neil Ryan
Junior C'ship 2001 Final

As well as the Junior Championship in 2001, Neil also won an Under 12 Division 2 title and also Player of the Year in the same age group.

Neil Ryan
Junior C'ship 2001 Final

Neil Ryan
Ulster Junior Club C'ship 2001