The All Ireland-winning netminder has passed away 24 hours after being taken ill.
The Tipperary GAA community and association is in mourning following the death of Philly Ryan, the county’s senior football manager.
The former first choice goalkeeper for the Premier county, collapsed on Saturday morning and has sadly died at the age of 57.
The Clonmel Commercials man managed the Tipperary football minors and under-21s early in his coaching career before taking charge of the county’s senior panel 14 months ago, reports the Irish Mirror.
He also secured a senior county title as manager of Commercials in 2012. His son, Shane, has followed in Philly’s footsteps and currently serves as the Tipp footballers’ netminder.
In a statement paying tribute to Ryan, the Tipperary county board said: “Philly was a proud Clonmel Commercials clubman, and a stalwart of Tipperary football, both as a player and in his later role as manager and coach.
“His contribution to Gaelic football in the county was immense, and his loss will be felt deeply across the GAA community.
“Philly’s leadership, genuine commitment and passion for the cause of football in Tipperary were evident both on and off the field.
“He epitomised the values of dedication, teamwork and unwavering club-and-county loyalty. Under his management, the county football team had shown encouraging signs of progress and ambition.
“Tipperary county board extends its deepest sympathies to Philly’s wife Anna, son Shane, daughters Amy and Katie and his extended family, his club, his colleagues, the Tipperary football panel and the wider GAA community.
“Details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family. The county board urges all supporters and members of the GAA family to show respect and solidarity at this sad time.
“The loss of Philly Ryan is a great blow to Tipperary football. We honour his memory, his service and his love of the game – and we commit to carry forward his legacy of ambition and community spirit.”
As Tipperary’s keeper, Ryan featured in the starting eleven for three Munster SHC finals in 1994, ’95 and 2002 during a county career that stretched across 13 years from 1990.
He also claimed an All-Ireland B championship with his county three decades ago.
His club’s senior county semi-final clash with Upperchurch-Drombane was scheduled for Sunday but has now been called off.
Commercials also honoured Ryan in a statement, describing him as “one of most respected football men and a proud servant of both Clonmel Commercials and Tipperary across several decades.
“Born and raised in Clonmel, Philly’s connection with Gaelic football ran deep from his earliest years. He first wore the blue and gold of Tipperary as a minor before progressing through the under-21 and junior grades.
“In 1987, he joined the Tipperary senior football panel, where his commitment, skill, and leadership quickly established him as a mainstay in the side for well over a decade,” the statement.
A natural leader and inspirational figure on and off the pitch, Ryan was central to the golden era of Clonmel Commercials, helping the club to five Tipperary Senior Football Championships in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1994, and 2002.
“His consistency, determination, and quiet authority made him one of the most admired players in the county game. Philly also represented Munster in the inter-provincial Railway Cup competition, and in 1995 he lined out for Tipperary in their All-Ireland Senior B Football Championship success, one of the county’s proudest moments of that decade.
“After his playing days, Philly remained deeply involved in football, taking on coaching and management roles, including a spell as Tipperary minor football manager, where he guided and inspired a new generation of young players. His deep understanding of the game and his passion for nurturing talent made him a mentor to many.
“Philly was known as a genuine, grounded, and generous man, whose humour and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. He carried the same quiet dignity in life that he had shown on the field of play.
“Philly’s passing is a profound loss to Clonmel Commercials, to Tipperary GAA, and to all who were fortunate to call him a teammate, coach, or friend.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his wife and family, his friends, and all associated with Clonmel Commercials during this difficult time.”
#Tipperary #GAA #manager #Philly #Ryan #dies #aged #tributes #pour #beloved #coach
