“I am from Irish descent but was raised in
Australia’s east end of Sydney. I came to Dublin in
1985 and studied at the Marist Brothers College
and Trinity College where I was introduced to
Wanderers FC through families like the Mahon’s.
Originally a rugby league player I took to union in
Ireland and usually played on the wing. These days
I am part of the club’s excellent junior coaching
set up with the likes of Lionel Mahon, Dermott
Rafter, great club stalwarts like Jim Doddy and
many others. I’m also CEO of Paypal Australia
and a club sponsor.
When you arrive and enter Wanderers FC
there is a great feeling of history and tradition
that surrounds you whilst being embraced in a
friendly family atmosphere. All three of my sons,
and all 2nd row forwards, played for the club.
Ethan, Caleb and Joel were introduced to mini
rugby from around age 7 and the boys are now
19, 16 and 14. I played my rugby in Dublin with
Monkstown and Wanderers and although I don’t
put my boots on much these days I still turn out
for the Crowbars on occasion! In an up and
coming match I will play one half each for each of
my clubs, not to upset anyone!
Mini & Junior Rugby is very important to all
clubs, in fact its life blood, and Wanderers are in a
position to really utilise this connection between
the young players and the seniors. The club have
the advantage of a vast number of great past
players, coaches and members who have travelled
the road gaining invaluable experience which they
can now pass on to our younger players who are
starting out.
Whether you are 6 years old or 60 when you
pull on the Wanderers jersey you’re a Wanderers
player playing for this historic club! Some of our ex
junior players like Max Deegan, the Leinster and
Ireland No 8, is a great inspiration to our younger
players and has a long family association with the
club, the more we can see of Max the better.
I can’t speak highly enough of my experiences
with Wanderers FC and the many inspirational
people and friends I’ve had the privilege of
meeting over the years, including many parents
I’m still in touch with and I’m looking forward to
continuing my relationship with this great club as
we continue to strengthen the bonds amongst
young and old as we move into the next 150
years!”
Paul Ryan
The
Wanderer
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Founded 1870
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