Fellow Lansdowne Members, many of you will remember Ryan Walker who played on our U20s in 1998/99. Ryan came over on holiday to Ireland from South Africa in September 1998 and paid a visit to Lansdowne Road to look at the famous old ground. He ended up staying for most of the season becoming a massive influence on the U20 team that went on to become Lansdowne’s first National Champions at any level since the Bateman Cup in the 1930-31 season. Not only was Ryan an exceptional player but he was also an exceptional human being who went on to play professional rugby for Natal Sharks and the Blue Bulls. Unfortunately, in 2013, Ryan was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and in September 2015, his Under 20 teammates held a ball in Lansdowne to raise money for an experimental treatment in the US aimed at prolonging his life. The average life expectancy with MND is 3 to 5 years so Ryan’s achievement in still being with us 9 years after his diagnosis is exceptional.

However, as if the burden of having MND is not enough, Ryan has had a torrid time in his personal life over the past three years. In early 2019, his father contracted cancer and passed away in November of that year. Ryans's father was his rock and best mate so it was a massive blow to Ryan. This resulted in the loss of the family farm, which not only deprived Ryan of his livelihood but it also took away from him the thing that kept him engaged and active every day. There have been numerous other personal challenges along the way but despite all these, Ryan still lives independently, has remained really positive and NEVER, EVER lets MND define him.

Given all this, the 1998/99 Under 20s have come together and arranged to bring Ryan and a traveling companion over for the Ireland Vs SA game in Lansdowne on Nov 5th. He will be here for 5 nights and we are going to arrange a number of get togethers around the game including the pre match lunch at the Terenure AIL Game on the Friday night. We are looking to raise some money to fund those travel expenses and whatever is left over will be given as gift to Ryan to go towards his living and medical expenses when he returns to South Africa. Please support our friend and fellow Lansdowne man in whatever way you can.