Ryan impressing in the West
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Barry Ryan made an unexpected switch before the season started, swapping the European adventures at Inchicore for the not so bright lights of Terryland Park as Gary Rogers departed in the other direction. Since starting out his League of Ireland adventure in 1997 with UCD, the Clare native had always been situated in the capital, so a move closer to home obviously appealed to the 30-year-old.
Ryan, a constant target of abuse from opposing fans, has settled well into his new colours and has been a major reason behind Galway's current position. Two clean sheets in the opening games were followed by a late penalty save at the Carlisle Grounds that preserved a point. Another clean sheet against Sligo Rovers was followed by an heroic display at the Brandywell where a stellar performance helped garner another point. A similar performance in Turner's Cross last weekend could have brought reward had Galway's attack matched the high standards being displayed at the other end.
At the same point last year, Galway United had a single point to their name and had conceded 15 goals. While there were other factors present that led to that situation, Barry Ryan is clearly having a positive effect on this young Galway side. With a defensive line in front of him with an average age of 22, it is of huge benefit to Ian Foster to have such an experienced player behind them coaxing them along. The Liverpudlian acknowledged as much after Friday night's game at Turner's Cross.
"He has had an influence. He’s experienced, he’s the oldest player in the squad. He’s been in this division for an awful long time. His experience is invaluable to the younger players. But experience is nothing if you’re not putting in performances and Barry has put in nine fantastic performances for me. He’s a great character in the dressing room."
"He encourages the young lads. He’s a talker and he does his job. There’s no point in having someone there who’s yelling at people and not quite doing their job. He’s been fantastic on the pitch and he’s been fantastic off the pitch. He’s an inspiration to the young players, in particular young Ger Hanley. You know, he only has to look at Barry every day and see what it takes to become a Premier Division goalkeeper."
Ryan will be a key component in Galway's bid to stay in the Division this year. Next up on the agenda is the visit of his former team-mates from St Patrick's Athletic to the City of the Tribes. Revenge for a humiliating opening day defeat will be demanded by Jeff Kenna, but Barry Ryan will, as always, do all in his power to prevent United from slipping to their third successive home defeat.
Ryan, a constant target of abuse from opposing fans, has settled well into his new colours and has been a major reason behind Galway's current position. Two clean sheets in the opening games were followed by a late penalty save at the Carlisle Grounds that preserved a point. Another clean sheet against Sligo Rovers was followed by an heroic display at the Brandywell where a stellar performance helped garner another point. A similar performance in Turner's Cross last weekend could have brought reward had Galway's attack matched the high standards being displayed at the other end.
At the same point last year, Galway United had a single point to their name and had conceded 15 goals. While there were other factors present that led to that situation, Barry Ryan is clearly having a positive effect on this young Galway side. With a defensive line in front of him with an average age of 22, it is of huge benefit to Ian Foster to have such an experienced player behind them coaxing them along. The Liverpudlian acknowledged as much after Friday night's game at Turner's Cross.
"He has had an influence. He’s experienced, he’s the oldest player in the squad. He’s been in this division for an awful long time. His experience is invaluable to the younger players. But experience is nothing if you’re not putting in performances and Barry has put in nine fantastic performances for me. He’s a great character in the dressing room."
"He encourages the young lads. He’s a talker and he does his job. There’s no point in having someone there who’s yelling at people and not quite doing their job. He’s been fantastic on the pitch and he’s been fantastic off the pitch. He’s an inspiration to the young players, in particular young Ger Hanley. You know, he only has to look at Barry every day and see what it takes to become a Premier Division goalkeeper."
Ryan will be a key component in Galway's bid to stay in the Division this year. Next up on the agenda is the visit of his former team-mates from St Patrick's Athletic to the City of the Tribes. Revenge for a humiliating opening day defeat will be demanded by Jeff Kenna, but Barry Ryan will, as always, do all in his power to prevent United from slipping to their third successive home defeat.
About Alan Dooley
is one of Extratime's longest serving contributors. Based in County Galway, Alan has been following the League of Ireland since the mid-1980s. His first memory of the drama of domestic football was Vinny Arkins, then … View Full Profile