Ryan McMenamin

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Ryan 'Ricey' McMenamin is a Canadian-born Irish Gaelic football player who plays for Tyrone. He plays his club football for Dromore in Tyrone.

Despite normally starting at corner back, he is not a traditional corner back, often running with the ball up the pitch, and getting himself into scoring positions.^[2] However, his marking is among the best in the country, and usually marks the opposition's leading scorers.^[3]

His discipline is continually a concern, sometimes lashing out, or making clumsy tackles. In the opening game of the 2007 Ulster Senior Football Championship, despite being one of the few first choice panelists available on the injury-hit side, he was substituted just before half time because he had already picked up a yellow card and a ticking—meaning he was one bad tackle away from being sent off. He was visibly upset when he was shown coming off the field.^[4]

[edit] All-Ireland

He has two All-Ireland Medals for Tyrone. He received his first in 2003 when Tyrone won their first All-Ireland ever and again in 2005.

He received a Vodafone GAA All-Star Award in 2005.

His 2005 achievements were blotted somewhat by his disciplinary record. He was given a yellow card late on in the replayed Ulster Championship, for dropping his knee onto a fallen player. This was upgraded to a sending off after the game, which meant that McMenamin would be suspended for the following four weeks,^[5] but Tyrone launched an appeal, employing the services of former player, and practicing solicitor, Fergal Logan.^[6] The appeal was successful but only after McMenamin missed the All-Ireland qualifier against Monaghan.^[7]

This indiscipline has been apparent throughout his career,^[8][9] and he has made a name for his verbal taunting of his direct opponents during matches as well,^[10][11] which was mentioned by Oisin McConville in his autobiography.^[12]

In 2006, he captained the much-depleted side due to injury to the captain, Brian Dooher. The side were knocked out of the Championship by Laois in July.

As of 2008 he remains a member of the Tyrone senior football team.

[edit] References