Coach Ryan’s driving ambition

AS FAR back as 1967, he played in the All-Ireland football final against Meath; for years afterwards he remained active with Watergrasshill in both codes and his extensive coaching CV includes managing Na Piarsaigh senior hurlers along with a variety of teams when he was attached to UCC.

These days, Eamonn Ryan is most closely identified with the Cork Ladies Football team, acknowledged by the players as being the inspirational force behind their recent run of successes both in the league and championship.

Tomorrow in Croke Park, they contest another TG4 decider, unbeaten since they lost a quarter-final to Mayo in 2004 after winning their first Munster title and popular favourites to beat Dublin and make it five-in-a-row.