They are jumping like rats from a sinking ship
Tipp woman is Limerick’s premier fan
Published Date: 13 August 2009
SHE may be a Tipperary woman living in Knocklong but don’t mention the words ‘divided loyalties’ to Bernadette Ryan.
The mother of Limerick half-forward James Ryan is insistent that her heart lies with the Shannonsiders this Sunday.
Despite the sea of green and white that washed over Bridge Terrace in Knocklong this week, the mother-of-four donned the blue and gold.
But that’s as far as it goes for this Lattin native. Once the sliothar is thrown in on Sunday, old allegiances will count for nothing.
“I’ll absolutely be shouting for Limerick on Sunday,” said Bernadette. “I’ll be wearing the Limerick jersey that day, definitely,” she continued as husband Shamie joined in, in jest: “She’s told she’ll be shouting for Limerick!”
Bernadette and Shamie will bewatching all the action fromthe stand in Croke Park on Sunday.
So, too, will be loyal Limerick supporter Jayden Ryan. Hemay only be 11-months-old but this tiny tot,who is the grandson of Bernadette and Shamie, can boast an attendance record that would put many supporters to shame.
"He was at the Wexford match, the Waterford match and the Dublin match,"mum Jackie revealed.
Sitting pretty at home on Sunday will be his friend, two-year-old Tiernan Ryan, son of fellow Garryspillane and Limerick hurler Donie Ryan.
“He’s not going on Sunday, he’s going to the final,” his mum Siobhan smiled coyly.