Michael Ryan: The Road from Ballymac

The magical touch of Michael Ryan has brought success to almost every team he has turned his hand to, and in total he has guided 32 ladies football teams to All-Ireland glory. Beginning with his own beloved Ballymacarbry, whom he guided to a first national title in 1987 - the first of 10 wins in 12 scintillating years.

Michael Ryan's winning ways brought him to Laois and Dublin too, before he turned his attention to the men's game. He led his native Waterford and Westmeath hurling teams for six seasons, and while he was denied ultimate success his brilliant leadership skills, and enormous passion, continued to earn him the admiration of supporters all over the country.

The Road from Ballymac is a story of adventure and magic, and the purest love for the games of football and hurling.