Ryan, who was easily the county’s top scorer in their extended championship run of earlier this Summer, already attended a trial at University of Limerick a few weeks back and is now one of around two dozen players recalled for a possible recruit to the lucrative AFL.  Others on the AFL radar include Kerry duo Tommy Walsh and David Moran, Colm Kavanagh of Tyrone, Conor Galligan (Monaghan) and Meath’s Brian Sheridan.

The St. Senan’s teenager, only days overage for minor rank this year, came to prominence with the county minors last season and was immediately promoted to the senior panel by manager Mickey ‘Ned’ O’Sullivan.  A regular during the competitive National League, Ryan really came into his own in the championship, none more so than against Meath in the Qualifiers in which he grabbed an astonishing 3-7, of which 2-3 arrived from general play.

In the aftermath of that incredible display, O’Sullivan commented:  “Ian Ryan is an exceptional talent – he is only a little overage for minor.  He is a fine character, has a good head on his shoulders.  He is a stable young man and a young man Limerick can be proud of.  There is a lot more in the tank for him in the future.  We will keep his feet on the ground and let him express himself in football.”

AFL agent Ricky Nixon, who has seen Ryan in action at both club and county level, reckons that of the trialists that only five at most could expect to be offered contracts down under.  “Clubs can only take two rookies on their roster for a season,” he explained. 

“Brisbane already have one and I wouldn’t think clubs would want to be using both picks over here.  It could be four or five players maximum who clubs will be interested in, they might then offer a three-month trial period over there or something like that.

He added:  “We’ve been in contact with all the players on the list and the reaction has been enthusiastic.  I think some were a little taken aback at first but there’s a natural curiosity to it as well and I’d expect all the players to come along for a look and to have a go anyway.  I’m sure they see it as an opportunity.  There’ll be information for parents as well as the camp, they’re all invited along to ally any fears.”

A scholarship student at Limerick’s Mary Immaculate College, Ryan worked in the GAA Summer Camps for the last few months.  He is son of former county star Joe and Margaret, Shanagolden.

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