Ryan joins elite club

RYAN Manning joined what is becoming a fast-growing list of Galwegians to be capped at senior level for the Republic of Ireland when he made his international bow last week in the Nations League game with Bulgaria.

The former Cregmore/Claregalway, Mervue United, and Galway United was a late addition to the squad for the final two Nations League group games, against Wales in Cardiff last Sunday week, and the clash with Bulgaria on Wednesday.

He was an unused substitute in Cardiff, but with more players withdrawing from the Irish squad after that game, Manning shot up the pecking order and was handed a start last 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 – he has featured just once for Swansea City this season after moving to the Welsh club from QPR – 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 for the men’s senior international side.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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