Death of Reg Ryan

REG RYAN, whose death has taken place in England, was a member of the last fully representative all Ireland football team.

Ryan, born in Dublin, was one of four players from the Republic in the Northern Ireland team beaten 2-0 by Wales in the British home championship at Wrexham in 1950. The other three were Con Martin, Tom "Bud" Aherne and Davy Walsh.

After the game the four players were informed by the FAI that they would not be permitted to play in future Northern Ireland teams.

Ryan, an accomplished inside forward, made his international debut against Sweden in 1949. He played 16 times for the Republic in addition to that appearance for Northern Ireland.

He won an FA Cup medal in 1954 when he was on the West Brom team which beat Preston North End 3-2. He later had spells with Derby County and Coventry.