Barry Ryan
Introduction
Barry Ryan is a wizard and a member of the Irish National Quidditch Team that won the 1994 Quidditch World Cup. His specific position is not stated in the novels, but he is part of the celebrated team that faced the Bulgarian National Quidditch Team in the tournament final.
Biography
Barry Ryan's only appearance in the original book series is during the 422nd Quidditch World Cup in 1994. He is announced by Ludo Bagman as part of the starting lineup for the Irish National Quidditch Team just before the final match begins. While his specific contributions to the game are not detailed in the play-by-play commentary within the novel, he was on the pitch for the entirety of the historic match. Ireland ultimately won the cup with a score of 170 to 160, despite the Bulgarian Seeker, Viktor Krum, catching the Golden Snitch. As a member of the winning team, Barry Ryan is a Quidditch World Cup champion.
Physical Appearance and Personality
The novels provide no description of Barry Ryan's physical appearance or his personality.
Magical Abilities and Skills
- Quidditch Prowess: As a professional player on a world-champion team, Barry Ryan is undoubtedly a highly skilled Quidditch player and an expert flyer. His inclusion in the Irish National Quidditch Team's roster for the World Cup final signifies he is one of the best players in his country.
Possessions
- Racing Broom: While the specific model is not mentioned, he would have flown a professional, world-class racing broom befitting a player in the Quidditch World Cup final.
- Quidditch Robes: He wore the official green robes of the Irish National Quidditch Team.
Relationships
- Teammates: Barry Ryan's teammates on the 1994 championship team included Connolly, Troy, Mullet, Moran, Quigley, and Seeker Aidan Lynch. They formed the cohesive unit that defeated Bulgaria in the final.
Etymology
- Barry: This is a common masculine name of Irish origin. It is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic name Báire, which has several possible roots, including Fionnbharr (“fair-headed”) or Bearach (“spear-like”). Its use firmly establishes the character's nationality.
- Ryan: An extremely common Irish surname, it originates from the Old Irish name Rían. The name is often interpreted to mean “little king,” derived from the Irish word rí (king) combined with a diminutive suffix.
Behind the Scenes
- In the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire video game, Barry Ryan is identified as a Chaser. In the game's depiction of the World Cup final, it is Ryan who scores the first goal of the match for Ireland. This detail is unique to the video game and is not mentioned in the novel.
- In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the members of the Irish National Quidditch Team are shown, but Barry Ryan is not individually identified by name.