WATCH: Seven year-old Limerick super fan names whole team in 45 seconds
YOUNG GAA superfan Cian Ryder would hold his own among The Sunday Game pundits or, indeed, on Mastermind with Limerick hurling as his specialised subject.
He can remember scores, where games were played and what opposition Limerick faced during that particular match, and, he can even name the entire starting 15 in under 45 seconds - all that at seven years of age!
And, he lives in Mayo!!
The family regularly travel to Limerick games from Westport, where Cian’s father is from, so he can collect match programmes and keep up to date with his favourite hurling team.
Carol Kelleher, Cian’s mother, is originally from Ballyneety, which sparked Cian’s love for Limerick hurling from a young age.
“Cian went to his first ever game when he was only three years old, in Croke Park, which was the hurling league final back in 2019 that Limerick won,” she smiles.
“His love for GAA and Limerick in general came from my side, as I would always have grown up around GAA and hurling and Cian, from an early age, would have seen me watching and usually screaming at the TV. That’s where he picked up the ‘Come on Limerick’ saying when he was still only a baby.”
Ever since, Cian has been an avid fan of Limerick and reveals that his favourite player is none other than Gearóid Hegarty.
“I really like Gearóid Hegarty because of his skills. He was able to get the sliotar while in the air twice against Clare where he scored two points. He is definitely one of my favourites.”
One of the family's fondest memories during this golden era of Limerick hurling occurred on the return train journey from the All-Ireland semi-final last year.
They were joined by many other supporters on the train when, naturally enough, a sing-song broke out and Cian was ushered into the middle of the carriage to sing the Rattlin’ Bog.
Carol remembers the journey home fondly.
“Cian stepped into the middle of the carriage while being surrounded by young people and just started singing the Rattlin’ Bog, word perfect,” she smiles.
“Everyone was cheering him on and he was absolutely delighted with himself afterwards. It just made the day even more special for us.”
Even though Cian is still extremely young, his love for Limerick hurling paired with his fantastic memory of games makes him a Limerick hurling treasure. Long may his great travels continue!