A case of Ryan with laughter..
KERRY goalkeeper Shane Ryan says he’s had a laugh with Derry’s Shane Mcguigan about their big collision in last year’s All-ireland semi-final.
One of the big talking points after Kerry’s late surge to secure a two point victory was a first half incident where Ryan caught Mcguigan in mid air.
Referee Joe Mcquillan allowed the play to go on and Ryan shot over a long range point.
Many observers felt it was a free to Derry, with Mcguigan requiring treatment after the hit.
Ryan, speaking at the launch of Comortas Peile Paidi O’SE, said: “I spoke to Shane at the All Stars about it.
“We had a bit of a joke about it. I asked him was the head all right.
“Nah, he was good about it. He was down in Killarney the week after our game. I was talking to him about that.”
Recalling the incident the Rathmore All-ireland winning full forward said: “I know I probably made contact with my hip in his face. Was it intentional? Absolutely not.
“My initial reaction was to play on. I heard no whistle.”
Ryan, who reported that a recent shoulder injury was nothing serious, is enjoying the evolution of the goalkeeper.
“It was more the way teams were setting up against us rather than me trying to impose myself in an outfield role.
“The Derry game was probably the most notable one. At times they had 15 men behind the ball. They were pinned back in their own half.
“If we came under pressure I was kind of a safety outlet at the back and I happened to go up for a score that day.
“I suppose the way the game has gone, it’s very much kind of almost backs and forwards on both sides of the field in some games.
“So it lends itself to me being kind of a safety outlet if we do come under pressure.”