Gerry Ryan

(04/10/1955 - 15/10/2023)

Gerry Ryan, who hailed from Thomas Moore Road, Walkinstown, was a professional footballer who played with Bohemians, Derby County, Brighton and for the international Irish team. He went to school in Drimnagh Castle and was team mates with Pat Byrne and Kevin Moran for the school team, the local club Rangers and Bohemians. He first made a name for himself in GAA circles as a youth, and then began his senior soccer career with Bohemians on 9 February 1975, winning the league (1975) and FAI Cup (1976) honours while he also played in Europe. After 14 goals in 53 appearances he earned a move to Derby County in 1977, and he made his Ireland debut while playing for Derby. In 1978, Gerry married Simeon O’ Connor(who hailed from John McCormack Avenue) in the Church of the Assumption in Walkinstown.

Gerry, a classy midfielder, Ryan won 18 caps between 1978 and 1984. Following two seasons with Derby he moved to Brighton in 1979, the highlights of his seven seasons there including promotion to the top flight and an FA Cup run in 1983 where Brighton took Manchester United to a replay, losing 4-0.

Ryan’s last appearance in a green shirt came in 1984 when he played in a scoreless draw against Mexico at Dalymount Park.

He was forced to retire at the age of 30 having suffered a serious injury against Crystal Palace, in 1985, under a challenge from Henry Hughton, brother of his Ireland teammate Chris.

A testimonial in August 1986 provided him the funds to buy an 18th century old coaching house, The Witch Inn in Lindfield, West Sussex. He turned out regularly for The Witch in the Lewes Sunday League.

He returned to Brighton in 1994 for a spell as assistant manager to Liam Brady but ended his formal involvement with the game after that. His son Darragh won underage caps for Ireland and played for Cork City and UCD.

He passed away in Dublin, aged 68, on 15th October 2023.

Photos