Winning is a good habit for Burke
Ryan Burke has had plenty to smile about over the last couple of years after enjoying success with his club, underage level with Kildare and now at senior level Photo: ©INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon
It's been a good twelve months for Ryan Burke. A Kildare and Leinster Intermediate Championship with Caragh, promotion to Division Two of the Allianz Football League with Kildare and on Saturday he picked up a Tailteann Cup medal which will guarantee Sam Maguire football in 2025 for the Lilywhites.
“I can't even describe it, ecstatic,” was Burke’s immediate reaction after the game.
“Obviously, I had plenty of underage success, but nothing beats this. Nothing beats seeing the white jerseys in Croke Park today. It's been a long time coming and thankfully, we've brought it through today,” he continued.
The Caragh man only found out during the week that he would be starting Saturday’s Final.
“I met with Flanno (Brian Flanagan) during the week and he gave me a gentle conversation to say, listen, be ready. Obviously, I've been in and out of the panel during the year and I wasn't sure where I stood but Flanno had a chat during the week and I knew I was in then, a bit of a shock but I'm thankful for it anyway,” he told us.
The young defender wasn’t fazed by the pre match build up or the parade before the start of the game.
“I take it very black and white. You can't really get caught up in the moment so I was doing my best to look at the crowds, sort of feel the atmosphere and wave to any kids, whatever, you know. There were obviously nerves but once the ball was thrown in, sure those nerves go out the window.”
The game went right down to the wire as Ryan Burke reflected. “It was touch and go, touch and go, but look, we came through it and that's all that matters, really,” he said. “I couldn't tell you last time Kildare won two games in a row in Croke Park so even to hold that accolade now is strong going into next year. It's not going to be an easy year next year by any means but thankfully we got through today, and that's all the matters. We have the silverware in the dressing room there and as I said that's all the matters.”
Looking back on a great year at club and county level, the Caragh man said, “You'd be sick of interviewing me! It's fantastic and obviously the club helps a lot and especially before Christmas there when I was with them throughout probably a six-month spell. After coming back in with the Kildare lads under Flanno (Brian Flannagan) I knew what I was coming into. Ambitions are always going to be high with Brian at the wheel and thankfully, we've brought that through today,” he concluded.
