Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HISTORY’S IN MY BLOOD
Leinster lock James’ family has a significant past..and his future doesn’t look too bad either
JAMES RYAN isn’t just studying history - he’s making it as well.
Victory for Leinster in this evening’s PRO14 final would complete a magical first year in blue for the giant 21-year-old.
Remarkably, the first 22 games of the 6ft 7in lock’s professional career have all been victories.
And since making his debut – he played for Ireland in last summer’s tour before lining for his province – Ryan has claimed the Grand Slam and the Champions Cup.
The promise of a first PRO14 title and next month’s three-test tour of Australia now beckons – with next year’s World Cup to come.
But then, making history runs in the Ryan family. His greatgrandfather, also James (inset), fought in the GPO in 1916, was a founder member of Fianna Fail and went on to become a Minister for Finance.
“Since he was one of the younger men in the GPO – and given the fact that he was a doctor as well – they thought that if the British guards stormed the building they might spare him,” explained Ryan junior.
“They were telling him the story of why the Rising took place and who was a part of it so that if they were all killed and he survived he’d be able to tell that story. I always found that fascinating.” Fascinating to the extent that he did his Leaving
Cert history on his relative, who was
24 in the GPO.
Ryan is currently finishing second year in UCD, studying history and politics.
“I love Irish revolutionary history, I love learning about the Easter Rising and the
Troubles,” he explained. “Then
I was learning about Irish emigration during the Famine and things like that. That was fascinating too. “I think the Ryan family was kind of divided right down the middle in terms of pro and anti-treaty, it tore the family apart. It split brothers and sisters I suppose like every other family at the time.
“I don’t know how active he was during the War of Independence but during the Rising he was certainly quite active. I was always aware of it growing up. My family are very proud of their history so it was definitely something I was conscious of.
“There’s a photo of him with the other members of the first Dail in my house. I think it’s in all my relations’ houses and some of the medals he got during the war are in my uncle’s house. He’s certainly someone that we’re all aware of and proud of.”
On the pitch Ryan has become a major
asset to Joe Schmidt and Leo Cullen and he seems to perform better as the stakes get higher and higher.
“I haven’t had much time to sit back and look at it,” he admitted. “Rugby is so turn-the-page orientated. We’ve played the Munster match on Saturday and, already, we’re looking at Scarlets.
“I’ve certainly enjoyed winning the Grand Slam and the European Cup and those celebrations. But, pretty quickly, you have to turn the page and look at who’s coming down your channel next.”
But after Australia there will finally be time to take it all in.
“I’ll definitely just take a break and reflect,” Ryan said. “I’ve got some holidays planned as well. Hopefully I’ll be able to follow through with them. My mates are doing a J1 in New York so I’ll probably go over to them.
“A few lads in here are going to Portugal too. It’s important to take a break and reflect.”