Ryan has Ballinhassig man as his number one

(JJ Hurley)

Pat Ryan sees Ballinhassig’s Patrick Collins as a very important piece in the jigsaw in the Rebel’s efforts to bring Liam McCarthy back to Leeside.

Speaking to the Carrigdhoun at a recent press night in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, the Cork Bainisteoir, Pat Ryan was full of praise for the Ballinhassig man.

‘Patrick has been unbelievable in fairness to him, giving great leadership and his ability on puck outs is huge, as everyone knows he’s a great fella around the group very popular, and it’s great to have a goalie players want to play for him,’ he said.

‘He’s very diligent in how he prepares for the games and nothing phases Patrick either.’

‘Goal is one of the toughest places, you can be, you are one mistake away from being a villain and one save away from being the hero.

‘Look he’s doing a great job for us.’

Like many players under Ryan’s guidance, many of them have grown into their own roles and perfected their game, a point Pat agreed with.

‘He’s done a lot of work on the mental approach to the game and he’s done a lot of work with our goalkeeping coach, Ger Lombard, too, which is great, he said.

‘He’s getting better, and it’s a thing you need to be getting better at every day.

The role of the goalkeeper has certainly changed since his club mate and relation, Martin Coleman (SNR), lined out for the Rebels in the senior finals of 1976, 1977 and 1978, as Pat Ryan reflects on the changing role of the keeper in the modern game.  

‘Patrick has got a great hurling ability, to give the short ball or the long ball, look he’s been brave to do it, look it’s not going to come off every time as teams are really set up well against you,’ he said.

‘It’s having the bravery to stick to the game plan, stick to the process, and belief the lads will get to the ball for you.’      

  Patrick Collins hoping to land an Celtic Cross on Sunday