Willie Ryan (Tipperary hurler)
Encyclopedia
Willie Ryan is an Irish
sportsperson. He plays hurling
with his local club Toomevara
and has been a member of the Tipperary
senior inter-county team since 2006.
and has enjoyed much success.
In 2003 Ryan's side reached the final of the county senior championship
with Thurles Sarsfields providing the opposition. A high-scoring game developed, however, at the full-time whistle Toomevara were the champions by 3-19 to 3-14 and Ryan collected a coveted county winners' medal. This was a fourth consecutive county final defeat for Thurles Sarsfields. Toomevara later represented Tipperary in the provincial club championship, however, they were defeated at the semi-final stage.
2004 saw Ryan line out in a second consecutive county final. Éire Óg Anacarty
provided the opposition on that occasion and put up a good fight. Toomevara's goal-scoring ability proved the key as Ryan's side won the game by 4-12 to 2-12. Toomevara once again represented the county in the provincial series and reached the final. Waterford champions Mount Sion provided the opposition and an unusual game unfolded. Toomevara trailed by seven points at one stage, however, they battled back with Ryan hitting 1-1 from play. At the full-time whistle Toomevara were the provincial champions by 1-14 to 1-13 and Ryan collected a Munster
club winners' medal. Toomevara later fell by 3-12 to 1-11 to Athenry
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Toomevara were foiled in their aim of capturing three county titles in-a-row in 2005, however, Ryan's team bounced back the following year and reached the final once again. Nenagh Éire Óg
provided the opposition and another high-scoring game ensued. In the end, Toomevara secured a 1-21 to 2-14 victory and Ryan added a third county winners' medal to his ever-growing collection. Toomevara continued their march and reached the final of the provincial championship. Cork club champs Erin's Own
were the opponents and a controversial game developed. Deep into injury time both sides were level and a replay looked likely. Toomevara fought back and scored a late point to secure a 2-9 to 2-8 victory. The Erin's Own players were incensed at some of the referee's decisions, however, Toomevara won the game Ryan added a second Munster club winners' medal to his collection. The Tipp side later played Ballyhale Shamrocks in the All-Ireland semi-final. Twelve points ahead at one stage, disaster struck for Ryan's side as the Kilkenny side fought back while talismanic figue Tommy Dunne
was red-carded. In the end victory went to Ballyhale by 2-20 to 3-14.
2008 saw Ryan line out in a fourth county championship final in six years. Thurles Sasrfields provided the opposition for the second time, however, Toomevara's Eoin Brislane had the game of his life. He finished the day with 1-5 from play and was a large factor in 'Toome's' 2-14 to 0-17 victory. It was Ryan's fourth county winners' medal while he also preserved his unbeaten run in county championship decider.
winners' medal in the minor grade. By the time Tipperary qualified for the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny
, Ryan was a key member of the half-forward line. That game turned into an absolute rout as Tipp failed to deal with the Kilkenny challenge. After the sixty minutes were played Ryan's side were well beaten by 3-15 to 1-7.
Ryan subsequently joined the Tipperary under-21 hurling team. In 2004 he lined out in the provincial decider against Cork. Tipp were ahead coming into the final stages and survived a late rally by 'the Rebels' to secure a 1-16 to 1-13 victory and a Munster
under-21 winners' medal. A subsequent trouncing of Down
set up an All-Ireland final meeting with Kilkenny. It was another black day for Tipperary's underage hurlers as 'the Cats' were dominant throughout the game. A remarkable 3-21 to 1-6 score line resulted in a huge defeat for Ryan's team.
A defeat by Cork in the provincial under-21 decider in 2005 brought Ryan's tenure on the under-21 team to an end.
in a provincial quarter-final game in 2006. Tipp won that game, however, Ryan played no part in the subsequent Munster semi-final victory and Munster final defeat by Cork. He was introduced as a substitute again in Tipperary's All-Ireland quarter-final defeat by Waterford
.
In 2007 Ryan either started or was introduced as a substitute in all of Tipperary's championship games. The year was a fruitless one for 'the premier county' as Tipp were eventually dumped out of the championship by Wexford
in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
Liam Sheedy
replaced Babs Keating as manager for 2008 and the year began well. Ryan's side remained undefeated in their National Hurling League
campaign before meeting Galway
in the final. In an exciting game Tipp emerged victorious by 3-18 to 3-16 and Ryan collected a coveted National League winners’ medal. Ryan, however, in spite of starting against Cork in the opening round of the provincial championship, played no further part in Tipperary's hurling campaign.
At the start of 2009 Tipperary were regarded as the main challengers to Kilkenny’s assault on the four-in-a-row of All-Ireland championship titles. Furthermore, Ryan was named as captain of the Tipperary senior hurling team for the year. Both Tipperary and Kilkenny lined out against each other in the final of the National League. Tipperary stormed into a decisive lead as they took the game by the scruff of the; however, ‘the Cats’ clawed their way back into the game. At the end of normal time both sides were level. A period of extra-time followed, however, in spite of a 2-26 to 4-17 defeat, Ryan's side were widely lauded for their performance. The subsequent championship campaign saw Tipp reach the Munster final for a second consecutive year, however, Ryan was not named on the starting fifteen against Waterford. He did, however, come on as a substitute. Tipperary raced into a decisive lead at the interval, however, the Decies fought back to narrow the deficit and maybe cause an upset. In the end Tipp won the game by 4-14 to 2-16. It was Ryan's first Munster
winners’ medal on the field of play, while he also had the honour of collecting the Munster Cup on behalf of his team and county. This victory allowed Tipperary to advance to an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Limerick in Croke Park
.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He plays hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club Toomevara
Toomevara GAA
Toomevara GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the parish of Toomevara in County Tipperary, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with hurling.-Honours:*Munster Senior Club Hurling Championships: 3** 1993, 2004, 2006...
and has been a member of the Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
senior inter-county team since 2006.
Club
Ryan plays his club hurling with his local club in ToomevaraToomevara GAA
Toomevara GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the parish of Toomevara in County Tipperary, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with hurling.-Honours:*Munster Senior Club Hurling Championships: 3** 1993, 2004, 2006...
and has enjoyed much success.
In 2003 Ryan's side reached the final of the county senior championship
Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship
The Tipperary Senior Hurling Club Championship is an annual club competition between the top Tipperary hurling clubs...
with Thurles Sarsfields providing the opposition. A high-scoring game developed, however, at the full-time whistle Toomevara were the champions by 3-19 to 3-14 and Ryan collected a coveted county winners' medal. This was a fourth consecutive county final defeat for Thurles Sarsfields. Toomevara later represented Tipperary in the provincial club championship, however, they were defeated at the semi-final stage.
2004 saw Ryan line out in a second consecutive county final. Éire Óg Anacarty
Éire Óg Anacarty GAA
Éire Óg Annacarty GAA club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in the parish of Anacarty & Donohill, in west County Tipperary in Ireland.-History:...
provided the opposition on that occasion and put up a good fight. Toomevara's goal-scoring ability proved the key as Ryan's side won the game by 4-12 to 2-12. Toomevara once again represented the county in the provincial series and reached the final. Waterford champions Mount Sion provided the opposition and an unusual game unfolded. Toomevara trailed by seven points at one stage, however, they battled back with Ryan hitting 1-1 from play. At the full-time whistle Toomevara were the provincial champions by 1-14 to 1-13 and Ryan collected a Munster
Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for the top hurling clubs in the province of Munster in Ireland...
club winners' medal. Toomevara later fell by 3-12 to 1-11 to Athenry
Athenry GAA
St. Mary's, Athenry is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the town of Athenry in County Galway. The club is almost exclusively concerned with hurling.-History:...
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Toomevara were foiled in their aim of capturing three county titles in-a-row in 2005, however, Ryan's team bounced back the following year and reached the final once again. Nenagh Éire Óg
Nenagh Éire Óg GAA
Nenagh Éire Óg GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association gaelic football and hurling club, located in the town of Nenagh in North County Tipperary, Ireland.-History:Hurling has a long history in Nenagh, being played there long before the founding of the GAA...
provided the opposition and another high-scoring game ensued. In the end, Toomevara secured a 1-21 to 2-14 victory and Ryan added a third county winners' medal to his ever-growing collection. Toomevara continued their march and reached the final of the provincial championship. Cork club champs Erin's Own
Erin's Own GAA (Cork)
Erin's Own GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in Glounthaune in east County Cork, Ireland. The club is made up of players from Little Island, Knockraha, Brooklodge and Glounthaune areas of the parish...
were the opponents and a controversial game developed. Deep into injury time both sides were level and a replay looked likely. Toomevara fought back and scored a late point to secure a 2-9 to 2-8 victory. The Erin's Own players were incensed at some of the referee's decisions, however, Toomevara won the game Ryan added a second Munster club winners' medal to his collection. The Tipp side later played Ballyhale Shamrocks in the All-Ireland semi-final. Twelve points ahead at one stage, disaster struck for Ryan's side as the Kilkenny side fought back while talismanic figue Tommy Dunne
Tommy Dunne
Tomás Dunne is an Irish hurling coach and former player. He is the current coach of the Tipperary senior hurling team....
was red-carded. In the end victory went to Ballyhale by 2-20 to 3-14.
2008 saw Ryan line out in a fourth county championship final in six years. Thurles Sasrfields provided the opposition for the second time, however, Toomevara's Eoin Brislane had the game of his life. He finished the day with 1-5 from play and was a large factor in 'Toome's' 2-14 to 0-17 victory. It was Ryan's fourth county winners' medal while he also preserved his unbeaten run in county championship decider.
Minor & under-21
Ryan first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Tipperary minor hurling team in the early 2000s. In 2002 Tipp reached the final of the Munster championship for the second year in succession with Cork providing the opposition. Ryan came on as a substitute and a close game developed. At the full-time whistle Tipp were the champions once again by 3-7 to 2-7 and Ryan collected a MunsterMunster Minor Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Minor Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1928 for the youngest competitors in the province of Munster in Ireland...
winners' medal in the minor grade. By the time Tipperary qualified for the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
, Ryan was a key member of the half-forward line. That game turned into an absolute rout as Tipp failed to deal with the Kilkenny challenge. After the sixty minutes were played Ryan's side were well beaten by 3-15 to 1-7.
Ryan subsequently joined the Tipperary under-21 hurling team. In 2004 he lined out in the provincial decider against Cork. Tipp were ahead coming into the final stages and survived a late rally by 'the Rebels' to secure a 1-16 to 1-13 victory and a Munster
Munster Under-21 Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Under-21 Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for players aged between 18 and 21 in the province of Munster in Ireland...
under-21 winners' medal. A subsequent trouncing of Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
set up an All-Ireland final meeting with Kilkenny. It was another black day for Tipperary's underage hurlers as 'the Cats' were dominant throughout the game. A remarkable 3-21 to 1-6 score line resulted in a huge defeat for Ryan's team.
A defeat by Cork in the provincial under-21 decider in 2005 brought Ryan's tenure on the under-21 team to an end.
Senior
Ryan made his senior championship debut as a substitute against LimerickLimerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
in a provincial quarter-final game in 2006. Tipp won that game, however, Ryan played no part in the subsequent Munster semi-final victory and Munster final defeat by Cork. He was introduced as a substitute again in Tipperary's All-Ireland quarter-final defeat by Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
.
In 2007 Ryan either started or was introduced as a substitute in all of Tipperary's championship games. The year was a fruitless one for 'the premier county' as Tipp were eventually dumped out of the championship by Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
Liam Sheedy
Liam Sheedy
Liam Sheedy is an Irish former hurler and manager. He played for his local club Portroe and was a member of the Tipperary senior inter-county team from 1997 until 1999...
replaced Babs Keating as manager for 2008 and the year began well. Ryan's side remained undefeated in their National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
campaign before meeting Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
in the final. In an exciting game Tipp emerged victorious by 3-18 to 3-16 and Ryan collected a coveted National League winners’ medal. Ryan, however, in spite of starting against Cork in the opening round of the provincial championship, played no further part in Tipperary's hurling campaign.
At the start of 2009 Tipperary were regarded as the main challengers to Kilkenny’s assault on the four-in-a-row of All-Ireland championship titles. Furthermore, Ryan was named as captain of the Tipperary senior hurling team for the year. Both Tipperary and Kilkenny lined out against each other in the final of the National League. Tipperary stormed into a decisive lead as they took the game by the scruff of the; however, ‘the Cats’ clawed their way back into the game. At the end of normal time both sides were level. A period of extra-time followed, however, in spite of a 2-26 to 4-17 defeat, Ryan's side were widely lauded for their performance. The subsequent championship campaign saw Tipp reach the Munster final for a second consecutive year, however, Ryan was not named on the starting fifteen against Waterford. He did, however, come on as a substitute. Tipperary raced into a decisive lead at the interval, however, the Decies fought back to narrow the deficit and maybe cause an upset. In the end Tipp won the game by 4-14 to 2-16. It was Ryan's first Munster
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
winners’ medal on the field of play, while he also had the honour of collecting the Munster Cup on behalf of his team and county. This victory allowed Tipperary to advance to an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Limerick in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
.