James Ryan, Ireland Captain With A Rebel Heart
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published November 19, 2020 | 09:30 AM
London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Nov, 2020 ) :James Ryan will add another storied chapter to his family's rich history when he leads Ireland out for their Autumn Nations Cup match with England at Twickenham on Saturday.
There could be no more appropriate an opponent for the 24-year-old's first taste of captaining his country at senior level after getting the chance due to Johnny Sexton being injured.
For the second row forward's great-grandfather, also called James Ryan, was a medical officer for the Irish Volunteers who rebelled against British rule in the 1916 Easter Rising.
He survived and was briefly imprisoned although many of the rebellion's leaders were executed.
"Since he was one of the younger men in the GPO (General Post Office in Dublin) and given the fact he was a doctor as well, they thought if the British guards stormed the building they might spare him," Ryan recalled in 2018.
"So, Thomas Clarke (one of the leaders who was subsequently executed) was kind of telling him the story of why the Rising took place and who was a part of it so if they were all killed and he survived he'd be able to tell that story.
"I always found that fascinating." So fascinating that Ryan's history project for his school leaving exams was on him as he interviewed his grandparents, parents and others who had known him.
"I love Irish revolutionary history," said Ryan.
"I love learning about the Easter Rising and the Troubles.
"I was also learning about Irish emigration during the famine, that was fascinating too."His great-grandfather went on to enjoy a highly successful political career serving as a minister in several Fianna Fail governments.
A photograph of his great-grandfather, lined up with the first members of the Irish Parliament in 1919, hangs in the family home.
Recent Stories
Aiman Khan granted UAE Golden Visa
PSX achieves significant milestone, surpasses 72,000 mark
Pak Vs NZ T20I: Orphaned children extended special invitation to watch match
Finance Minister lauds UNDP’s unwavering support during floods
President Raisi leaves for Iran from Karachi
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 24 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 24 April 2024
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
19 hours ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
3 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
3 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
3 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
3 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
9 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
10 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
10 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
13 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago