The pre-eminent sportsman of Portlaw

Waterford is awash with sporting talent, but today we are reflecting on the pre-eminent sportsman of Portlaw.Tyrone-native Johnny Ryan came to the attention of Lord Waterford for his horsemanship aboard Black Dwarf. The pair of horse and jockey made their way to Curraghmore as far back as the 1840s. In his late-teens, Ryan carried the ‘blue’ of Lord Waterford.He is even believed to have won at least 112 races out of 130 for his County Waterford patron.Historian Cian Manning offers a fascinating look back at his amazing story, saved from the pages of history.Keep up to date on all the latest from The Big Breakfast Blaa