Gerry Ryan (footballer)

Gerard Joseph Ryan (4 October 1955 – 15 October 2023) was an Irish professional footballer who played as a forward or winger. He made 18 appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team scoring once.

Career
Born in Dublin, Ryan began his career at Bohemians on 9 February 1975 and after 14 goals in 53 appearances he earned a move to Derby County in 1977. He was later moved to Brighton for £100,000 with whom he played in the 1983 FA Cup Final against Manchester United before his career was ended in 1985 after a broken leg sustained in a tackle from Crystal Palace's Henry Hughton.

Ryan played eighteen times for Ireland between 1978 and 1984. Ryan made his debut in April 1978, when he played in a 4–2 win against Turkey in a friendly at Lansdowne Road. His only goal for Ireland came over a year later at the same venue, but it was only a consolation effort as Ireland lost 3–1 to West Germany in a friendly. Ryan's last appearance in a green shirt came in 1984 when he played in a scoreless draw against Mexico at Dalymount Park. He earned one cap for the Republic of Ireland U21 side.

A testimonial in August 1986 provided the funds to buy an 18th century old coaching house, The Witch Inn in Lindfield, West Sussex, which he ran. He turned out regularly for The Witch in the Lewes Sunday League.

Personal life and death
His son Darragh also played for Brighton and in the League of Ireland.

Ryan was admitted to hospital on 18 August 2007 after suffering a stroke. Ryan's recovery from the stroke left him with a weakness in his left side and he decided to sell The Witch.

Gerry Ryan died on 15 October 2023, at the age of 68.

Honours
Bohemians
 * League of Ireland: 1974–75
 * FAI Cup: 1976
 * Leinster Senior Cup: 1974–75, 1975–76