The passing of Ray Ryan will leave an immense void in the Sarsfields GAA club and in the Glanmire community

Ray Ryan will leave “an immense void” in the clubs he played for and the wider Glanmire community.

The former Cork hurler’s death at the age of 43 was announced on Tuesday. 

Ryan, a brother of Cork senior hurling manager Pat, was a member of An Garda Síochána, based in Cobh.

“A social media-post by his beloved Sarsfields Hurling Club read: “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 his wife Aishling, 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.” 

Having excelled for Sars as they reached the county SHC semi-finals in 2006, Ryan was chosen at centre-back on the Cork championship team of the year and was part of the extended county panel prior to the 2007 season.

In 2008, Sars won the county title for the first time in 51 years, with Ryan again instrumental at centre-back as they reclaimed the Seán Óg Murphy Cup with a final win over Bride Rovers.

Called up by Gerald McCarthy to the Cork squad at the beginning of the following year during a period of turmoil for hurling in the county, he remained a part of the panel under new boss Denis Walsh following the departure of McCarthy.

Though he didn’t feature in the 2009 championship, he appeared as a sub in the 2010 Munster championship against Tipperary, Limerick and Waterford and started the All-Ireland quarter-final win over Antrim.

Later that year, he won another SHC medal as Sars beat Glen Rovers in the final and two more followed in 2012, with wins over Bishopstown and the Glen respectively. 

In recent years, he had been involved on the coaching side with Sars and Glanmire, with whom he played football.

At the time of his death, he was part of the management set-up with the Sars minor team, which reached last year’s Rebel Óg Premier 1 MHC final.

“Ray was an absolute Sars man to the core,” said club chairperson Keith Mulcahy, “he lived for the club.” 

“It’s such a tragedy for his family, first and foremost, everyone who knew him in Sars, his Garda colleagues and his wide group of friends.” 

Ray Ryan is survived by his wife Aishling (née Foley), children McKenna, Rory, and Elliot, his parents Marian and Paddy, 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 extended family.

He will be reposing at Barry Bros. Funeral Home, Hazelwood, Glanmire, on Thursday, February 27 from 5-6pm with requiem Mass taking place on Friday at 11am in St Joseph’s Church, Springhill.