Cork's Ray Ryan left 'so many loving imprints on all those who met him', funeral hears
Mourners at the funeral Mass of the late garda and dual GAA player with Glanmire and Sarsfields, Ray Ryan, were told that his most treasured title was that of husband of his beloved Aishling and father to his three children, McKenna, Rory and Elliot.
Mourners at the funeral Mass of the late garda and dual GAA player with Glanmire and Sarsfields, Ray Ryan, were told that his most treasured title was that of husband of his beloved Aishling and father to his three children, McKenna, Rory and Elliot.
Mr Ryan, 43, died suddenly on Tuesday last, prompting tributes from many in the GAA world, his colleagues in the Gardaí, community leaders, neighbours and friends.
The funeral was attended by many in the GAA world and senior gardaí as well as many other colleagues.
Pat Ryan, the manager of Cork’s senior hurlers and brother to Ray, told the congregation at St Joseph’s Church in Springhill, Glanmire, that while it was a sad day, his late brother would have loved it as he loved being the centre of attention.
“I can only imagine he’s telling Teddy in Heaven today that his removal was bigger and better than his and arguing about games and matches and discussing everything and probably arguing the abilities of the sweeper system which Teddy hated but Ray always liked,” he said, recalling another dual player who togged out with distinction for Glanmire and Sarsfields, the late Teddy McCarthy.
Hurling and football were described as Ray’s first love by his brother who said: “More importantly he made lifelong friends who became like brothers to him and Ray to them.
“Ray played with so many teams down through the years and made unbelievable friends from everywhere.”
The Cork senior hurling manager recalled his brother’s role in the Glanmire team that contested County Football finals against Carbery Rangers and St Vincent’s.
“On every occasion Ray was a colossus at centre back – Ray always wanted to be centre back at Number 6 – he always got mad if you put him at 2 or 4 or 5 or 7, he always wanted the 6 jersey.
“Ray got so much enjoyment out of Glanmire winning the County this year – especially with so many of his friends involved, both playing and in the management team, and his great friend, Mark Hopkins, managing the team, who he loved so much.” Mr Ryan said that he agreed with his predecessor as Cork manager that "temperament was the most important thing you have" and that Ray had that.
“He was a phenomenal player for the big day – as we always said in our house, he was a championship player.
“Winning his first County title in 2008 after a 51-year wait was unbelievable for Ray and then to win 2010, 2012 and 2014 was so special,” he said.
“For a family like ours to have four County medals was surreal for any Sars man and we were so proud – to see friends of his now down here that have five County medals is mind blowing for all of us and we’re really proud of the reception he’s getting and the way they represent the jersey because that’s what Ray would have wanted.”
Ray’s time spent as manager of the Sarsfields’ minor team was described as something he really enjoyed.
“Ray had an unreal ability to connect with younger players and they all looked up to him,” he said.
Mr Ryan also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the family to all those who looked after his brother on the morning he fell ill. “Ray’s friends and colleagues raced to his aid and we will be eternally grateful for what you did that morning,” he said.
His brother’s time as a garda was also recalled with fondness.
“Ray joined An Garda Síochána and they provided a great life for him,” he said.
“Ray was stationed in Bandon, Mayfield and, most recently, Cobh – he made so many friends in every place but he was really after finding his home in Cobh, or Queenstown as I used to slag him," he added, paying tribute to the kindness of his colleagues across the gardaí.
The chief celebrant of the Mass, Fr Pat Fogarty, said that Ray Ryan had left "so many loving imprints on all those who met him".
“One of the greatest tributes I heard this morning from one of his Garda colleagues was, when you’re on night duty, it’s a long night, everybody loved to be on with Ray because the ten hours flew so quickly.
At the end of the Mass, Ray Ryan’s wife, Aishling spoke to express her thanks to friends and neighbours for their support over the past few days.
She also spoke of the special connection she and their children had with her late husband and their father.
“Ray was so much more than a husband to me, he was my best friend and my team mate, together we built a life of love, laughter, memories and future plans.
“While he was not perfect, he was perfect for us, for me and for our three beautiful kids, which he adored.”
Following the Mass, the funeral continued to St Joseph’s Cemetery in Little Island where Mr Ryan’s remains were laid to rest.
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