HIGH-FLYING RYAN’S HARD GRAFT PAYS OFF
THE Under-16 Boys High Jump attracted a big crowd to the Indoor Arena on Sunday afternoon. It was riveting stuff.
Twelve counties were represented. Among them Kerry and Mayo.
Some of the spectators were chatting about the big match in Croke Park as the rain began to tumble outside.
Galway’s Ryan Gallagher was taking part. He’s from the Craughwell club.
He’s top quality. He followed his brother into the sport.
“I have been doing it for three or four years now,” said Ryan. “And I have been coming to the Community Games for the last couple of years.”
It requires commitment. “You’d have to train twice or three times a week. You need a lot of power for it in the legs. The club is right beside me. I love it.”
Ryan explains timing is everything. Combining the sprint and the lift-off with all the precision of a Rolex watch.
He says that Jessica Ennis is the ideal role model. “She can do all the events.”
He’s also a fine soccer player. He’s on the Mervue United Under-16’s.
His favourite footballer is his Dad, Mick, who played part-time in the English Conference League with Southall United and Hendon.
Mick was looking on. He still looks fit enough to put on the boots. He was praising and applauding all the competitors.
They both go to watch Galway United in the League of Ireland. Friday nights at EamonnDeacyPark are special.
And like Eamonn, Ryan is another cultured footballer with a spring in his step.