Manning makes his senior bow

Ryan Manning made his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night when the former Cregmore/Claregalway, Mervue United, and Galway United man started for Stephen Kenny’s side in the scoreless draw with Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League.

Manning was a late addition to the squad for the final two Nations League group games, against Wales in Cardiff last Sunday, and the clash with Bulgaria on Wednesday. He was an unused substitute on Sunday, but with more players withdrawing from the Irish squad after that game, Manning shot up the pecking order and was handed a start on Wednesday night.

He performed well, though his debut was marked by a yellow card for a foul on Spas Delev in the 21st minute. His recent lack of game time showed at the end, with his night ending in the 86th minute due to cramp, but that won’t take away from the pride at representing his country at senior level for the first time.

His first cap sees him join Eamonn Deacy (RIP), Alan Lee, Greg Cunningham, David Forde, Daryl Horgan, and Aaron Connolly as Galwegians to have played men’s senior international side

He was one of two Galwegians that started against Bulgaria, with Daryl Horgan also in the starting XI for the game. His night ended early, being the first Irish player called ashore by Kenny when he was replaced by Josh Cullen in the 67th minute.

The former Salthill Devon man also started in the 1-0 defeat to Wales on Sunday, when he was also the first player to be replaced, this time with Jason Knight taking his place in the 59th minute.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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