In this week’s alumni instalment, we shine a spotlight on School of Education graduate and one of Ireland's most successful school soccer coaches, Barry Ryan. With a career spanning teaching and soccer coaching, he shares insights into how his time at UL shaped his journey, the challenges he faced, and the driving force behind the success of the school’s soccer programme. Barry reflects on his path and offers advice to those looking to follow in his footsteps.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m from Thurles, and I went to school in Thurles CBS. I have a sister Tracey, who went to school in Presentation Thurles, the school that I now teach in. Thurles being the home of the GAA was a sports mad town and regularly hosted huge Munster finals and big games, you never had to look too far for your heroes. My father had played League of Ireland soccer, and despite the lure of the GAA all I wanted was to emulate him. I was lucky enough to achieve that goal in 2007 signing with Kilkenny City FC. Having travelled and done different things, life feels like it has gone full circle as I now live in Thurles again, teaching Physical Education and English in Presentation Secondary School Thurles. I’m married to Laura, who also teaches in the same school, and we have two boys, Ben aged 4 and Sam aged 3.
What did you study here and why did you choose to study at UL?
I studied Physical Education and English at UL. I started the course in 2010. I chose UL for a variety of reasons, the incredible facilities, the reputation as a teacher training college, and the support network that existed to help students settle in and thrive.
Can you describe your journey from graduating in teaching at UL to becoming a very successful soccer coach?
I qualified from UL in 2014 and was offered a full-time contract in Pres Thurles. There was a really strong tradition of sport in the school, with UL graduates Aine Staunton, Cait Devane, and Edel Maher winning basketball All Irelands as students in the school under the guidance of another UL graduate, PE teacher and Principal Marie Nyhan (Collins). Soccer was the growing sport within the school, and we began a period of complete domination in Munster, winning 8 Munster Senior A titles from 2014 to 2024. We also landed Senior National Titles in 2016, 2018, and 2024, along with multiple Junior Munster and National titles, becoming Ireland's number one soccer school.
How did your time at UL shape your decision to pursue a career in coaching?
I was hugely influenced by the culture of high performance that existed within the college, from observing Munster Rugby to the staff and student athletes within the college. There was a culture of excellence and standards that were demanded every day. I became very aware of why the university was so successful, and it shaped my own beliefs around sport and life.
What were some of the most significant challenges you faced early in your coaching career, and how did you overcome them?
I think the single biggest challenge I faced was establishing my own philosophy and principles of play. It is absolutely vital that these principles and philosophy are fixed, but in the early days you are so influenced by results and chasing success that you start doubting yourself. Thanks to lots of guidance and good mentors, in particular my colleague Cian Treacy, I realised that trophies are not the single measurement of success.
With three Senior National Titles and eight Senior Munster Titles under your belt, what do you believe are the key factors to your success?
The single biggest reason for the success of the soccer programme in Pres Thurles is the culture we created within the school. Good people make good Pres players; we hold ourselves accountable to a set of standards inside and outside the classroom, and there is a total discipline amongst the group. In the ten-year period we have had three completely different groups of players, but each group secured Munster and National titles because of the core values that exist within the culture. When you get good people in the building, then good things will happen.
How did your experience at UL prepare you for your career as both an educator and a coach?
In UL, I was hugely influenced by lecturers Cian O'Neill, AnnMarie Young, Ann McPhail, Ursula Freyne, and classmates Brendan O’ Keeffe and Grainne Power. I am a big believer in the mantra “each one, teach one,” and I took something from each of these different personalities. They were all different in their approach, but it was the work ethic and drive that underpinned each one of them. They taught me the value of standards and the importance of being a role model for the people you teach and coach, and I took these lessons into my classroom and every other aspect of my life.
Can you share a memorable moment or a favourite memory from your time on campus?
My 4 years were full of positive memories and friendships that still exist. The standout memories would be Paul Walsh and the Sports Science students ordering carvery for the pre-match Collingwood Cup meal, beating Brendan O'Keeffe at tennis knowing Brendan has never been beaten at anything in his life, basketball with Grainne Power and Gary Carroll leaving the oven on in Elm Park for the weekend; those houses were durable!!
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates aspiring to follow a similar path in sports coaching?
I would say to PE graduates and all teaching graduates with an interest in sport and coaching to take on school teams, as it is a brilliant opportunity to build positive relationships with students and parents. These relationships feed into every aspect of school life.
How do you keep yourself motivated and continue to improve as a coach and an educator?
I think the beauty of both sport and education is that they are ever evolving and constantly changing, and if you stand still you very quickly get left behind. To me, teaching and coaching share so many similarities and are underpinned by the same values. The single biggest advice I always give to people is to read. There are some amazing books out there, anything by John Wooden is an excellent starting point.
Are there any particular coaching philosophies or methods you adhere to?
I have fixed principles of play, so the message is always consistent, players always know exactly what’s expected, yet within that there are opportunities for them to express themselves, but the team has a clear identity and a style. I think this is really important.
How do you stay connected with your alumni friends and the UL community?
Again the beauty of sport I constantly meet classmates from UL as our schools compete against each other. We regularly meet at weddings of course and I follow the social media platforms which is a great way of staying connected to the college and receiving the monthly newsletter with all the latest happenings.
Were you involved in any clubs or societies at UL? How did those experiences impact you?
I was a member of UL soccer and played in three Collingwood Cups during my time in 51ɫ, unfortunately missing one through injury. This was a really enjoyable experience being teammates with a group of players I had regularly played against during the club season. Martin Hayes and everyone connected with UL soccer do a great job of creating a sense of a football family, and we had great experiences and even better nights out!!!
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
I think I was inspired to become a teacher by some of the teachers I had myself, the ones who went the extra mile to make a difference. That stays with you, and I think the opportunity to make that same impact in someone else’s life is a magical thing. Teaching really is a vocation.
Reflecting on your journey, what personal qualities or skills have been most instrumental in your professional growth and success?
I think communication is absolutely vital. You can have so many ideas and so much information, but the most important skill of all is knowing how to share it. As a teacher and as a coach, you learn the relevance of the words that you use and your body language. All of the little details matter. I think sports people can be very single-minded as well, and I have definitely learned the value and importance of empathy. People will do absolutely anything for you when they know you care.