A Donegal man has helped guide London Hibernian to a remarkable treble-winning season in English amateur football.
Ryan Varma (29), originally from Buncrana and now based in South West London, captained the club’s Intermediate side to a unique clean sweep of silverware, sealing promotion, league glory and cup success in a memorable campaign.
He led Hibs to promotion after winning the Surrey South Eastern Combination Intermediate Division 1, moving the club up to Tier 7 — just one level below the semi-professional ranks.
The side also captured the London FA Junior Cup, defying the odds to win the competition from a field of 124 teams. Hibs claimed a dramatic 2-1 final victory despite playing with ten men for much of the match.
To complete the treble, they defeated Earlsfield 3-1 last weekend to lift the Surrey League Cup.
Ryan Varma (L) with the three cups.
The former Cockhill Celtic and Institute midfielder has enjoyed success at every level, but says this season with London Hibernian ranks among his proudest achievements.
Varma first made his name locally with Cockhill Celtic, where he won several Ulster Senior League titles before joining Institute in Derry. During his spell with ‘Stute, he was part of the squad that won the Northern Ireland Championship and secured promotion to the Irish Premiership.
Now living in Wandsworth, South West London, he works for a US technology company and has been based in the English capital since 2020, having also spent time living in San Francisco and Sydney.
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Despite travelling the world, he says Donegal remains firmly at the centre of his identity.
“My father Gavin Varma is from Letterkenny and my mother Dympna is from Buncrana,” Ryan told Donegal Daily this week.
“I was born and reared in Buncrana, so Donegal will always be home. I captained the Intermediate team and it’s been an unbelievable season for everyone involved.”
While the club is enjoying major success on the pitch, Ryan says London Hibernian remains proudly amateur and community-driven.
“We’re an amateur team and a volunteer-run club,” he said. “Murphy Geospatial are our sponsors, but every player pays membership fees to help fund training and games.”
Ryan joined the club through a colleague at work and says the Irish influence within the squad has been a huge factor in their success.
“About 85 per cent of the team are Irish,” he added.
“I’m the only Donegal man involved at the minute, but I’d love to see more lads from the county joining us.”
Based in the Ayresfield area of South West London and training in Barnes, London Hibernian has become a home away from home for many Irish players abroad. He is urging any London-based Donegal players to get in touch.
For further information, check out the London Hibernian FC Facebook and Instagram pages.
Ryan Varma (front, fifth from right) celebrates with his London Hibs teammates.