HE'S UP FOR THE MACHU..

UL manager in Peru climb ahead of cup defence

- MARK McCADDEN

BRIAN Ryan is aiming to blaze a trail to 2026 Fitzgibbon Cup glory after he warmed up for the prestigious third level hurling competition by completing Peru's Inca Trail.

The University of Limerick manager is a keen hill walker, but he took that passion to new heights during a recent trip to South America.

A regular on the Camino de Santiago walk in Spain, he wanted to take on a new challenge when it came to adventure holidaying.

And so he set out with his wife and friends on a 50km hike over five days, which took them to an altitude of over 12,000 feet at times, and all the way to Machu Picchu, at an incredible 8,000ft above sea level.

Ryan, who keeps himself fit with regular hill walks here in Ireland, told Fitter Happier: "I spent most of my career in the Defence Forces, so I have always had a good interest in outdoor activities.

"Since I left the Defence Forces, I've been very involved in my own [GAA] club for years and then with the county and now with the universities.