Sarsfields in mourning after death of former Cork hurler Ray Ryan aged 43

Sarsfields GAA club has been plunged into mourning over the “heartbreaking news” that Ray Ryan, 43, has passed away.

Ryan, a former Cork senior hurler, won four county senior championships with Sars. He lined out at centre-back for all four final victories across 2008, '10, '12, and '14.

A brother to Cork senior hurling manager Pat, Ray was a member of An Garda Síochana, stationed in Cobh.

A statement from the Sars club on Tuesday described Ray as a “club stalwart”.

“It is with heavy hearts that we at Sarsfields Hurling Club must share the heartbreaking news of the unexpected passing of our minor manager and club stalwart, Ray Ryan.

“His loss has left an immense void not only within our club, but also within Glanmire Football Club and the wider Glanmire community.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Aisling, his beautiful children, the Ryan family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

“Ray’s unwavering dedication and passion for the game, as well as his kindness and commitment to our club will forever be remembered. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

The winter after Sars’ 2008 famine-ending county final win, the Cork management asked Ray to be part of the new Cork panel that had to be put together in the wake of the existing panel withdrawing their services over a dispute with then manager Gerald McCarthy.

Ray was selected as captain of the new-look Cork side for their opening three games of the 2009 National League. He remained part of the panel when the striking players returned under a change of management. He made his inter-county championship debut when introduced in the 2010 Munster semi-final win over Limerick.

He was again used off the bench in that summer's drawn and replayed Munster finals against Waterford. In the subsequent All-Ireland quarter-final win over Antrim, Ray lined out at left half-back, what was his first championship start in red.

In more recent times, he was part of the management team that guided the Sars minors to last year's Premier 1 county hurling final. He was again involved with the minors this year.

Ray is survived by his wife Aishling, his three children, McKenna, Rory, and Elliot, his dad and mom, Paddy and Marian, brothers Pat, Trevor, and Ken, father-in-law Bill, mother-in-law Catherine and her partner Tim, sisters-in-law Róisín, Tricia, Laura, and Niamh, and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and wider family.

He will repose at Barry Bros. Funeral Home, Hazelwood Glanmire this Thursday from 5-6pm. Requiem mass will take place on Friday morning, 11am, at St Joseph’s Church, Springhill.

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