Inspiring captain Ryan ready to deliver big performance

SECOND ROW Tom Ryan is ready to deliver a big performance and guide his side to another trophy and historic backto-back Bank of Ireland Provincial Towns Cup successes.

There will be no fear for Ryan of what is needed to deliver success, bringing to an end Enniscorthy’s time in Junior ranks as they have Senior club rugby to look forward to next season.

Enniscorthy native Declan O’Brien has been part of the backroom as their chief coach along with director of rugby, John ‘Spud’ Murphy, both of whom have played at the highest level for their province.

Murphy is also a former Irish international, experience that has been utilised to the full by the club.

But when they chose Ryan as captain to lead the side, they selected a player steeped in the tradition of the club.

He has been a member right through the ranks from under-age to the level of cup and league successes, and now he has become the man to lead the club back to Senior ranks after more than 80 years.

It has been a season so far for Ryan and his colleagues to savour. And Ryan deserves the rub of the green if that is necessary to bring that coveted jug back to the club again on Sunday evening.

When he arrived at the club he was a young player of real potential. The fact that he has fulfilled that potential is a tribute to the coaching structures that exist within the club.

However, Ryan’s emergence as a top-class leader should not be surprising since he comes from a family steeped in the traditions of sport.

Grandson of the legendary Tom Ryan of 1950s fame with the Wexford Senior hurlers, he is brother of Liam, now one of the best hurling full-backs in the country. What a back row forward Liam would make had he teamed up in the pack alongside his brother.

Ryan has quickly found his feet in the heat of top level Junior rugby, becoming part of a remarkably consistent squad under O’Brien and Murphy.

This Enniscorthy outfit is strong across the board, but it’s at the breakdown where they will be striving to dominate Wicklow, in order to overcome any pressure in the scrums.

This dominance and quick release of ball has seen the backs thrive once a little firmness appeared in the ground.

Ryan’s recognition was inevitable so it was no surprise when he was selected to lead the side. He is fast becoming a real talent in the second row, as he’s strong and physical in the tight, while providing excellent support in the line-out. And his work at the breakdown is contributing to his side’s vastly-improved performances as the season progresses.

While the squad has endured some seasons of frustration, Ryan’s was always positive, and it’s this type of leadership which has helped bring the best out of his side.

With Ryan’s form so consistent all season, and having avoided injuries, one can be sure he will leave a huge imprint on this final.

The captaincy brings its own pressure, but Ryan has not alone coped with this extra responsibility, he has given the players the confidence to perform and express their own individual skills.

In open play Enniscorthy have been devastating over recent league and cup games. Their game has flourished in the cup, which was particularly evident when they demolished a highly-rated Gorey outfit.

While this will be new territory for many of the Wicklow side, it will be yet another experience for the Enniscorthy players to savour.

Enniscorthy have the ability to pull big performances out of the bag, so Wicklow will be keeping a close eye on their back three.

Richard Dunne is in sparkling try-scoring form from full-back, along with wingers David O’Dwyer and Ivan Jacob. This trio can set any game alight, and there is no doubt they will have a huge impact.

Arthur Dunne and Ivan Poole are a formidable half-back pairing, but it’s up front where Enniscorthy have suddenly come of age.

Hooker David Murphy has been remarkably consistent, while Nick Doyle in the back row is playing the best rugby of his career. Along with Timmy Morrissey, a great prospect in the second row, and back row players Brian Bolger and Alan Jacob, they will prove crucial to their side’s bid to retain the cup.

What will be most crucial also will be the crowd participation in Navan. Enniscorthy have a big and loyal following and, given the season they have enjoyed so far, they will prove crucial to the players’ bid for further glory.

What will win this game is the wise old heads of the senior players. Ryan will set the example up front and should they grab control of this game, full-back Dunne, David O’Dwyer and Ivan Jacob will do the rest.

A lot has been written about Enniscorthy, but Ryan’s leadership has proved inspirational.