Sorrow and tribute – Philly Ryan RIP
By Noel Dundon
The deep and heartfelt sadness that swept across Tipperary at the news of the sudden passing of senior football manager Philly Ryan spoke volumes about the affection and respect held for the much-loved Clonmel Commercials man — a man who truly played the game of life with a smile on his face and kindness in his heart.
When word broke, on the very weekend of the county senior football semi-finals, that Philly had been called home unexpectedly by his Maker, a stunned silence and sense of disbelief descended upon the Premier County. None felt it more keenly than the close-knit football family of which he was such a cherished and vital part.
Philly was, above all else, a giver — of his time, his wisdom, and his boundless good humour. As a goalkeeper, he had long stood firm between the posts for Tipperary and Clonmel Commercials, guarding not just the net but the pride of his teams.
Later, as a coach and ultimately Tipp boss, he brought that same calm assurance and sharp football mind to the sideline. His appointment was met with real joy and satisfaction — here was one of our own, a man who truly understood the heartbeat of Tipperary football, stepping up to lead with passion and purpose.
In his too-brief tenure at the helm, Philly had already begun laying foundations for the future — rebuilding, nurturing, believing. He was a realist, knowing that his team might not yet challenge for the Sam Maguire, but he insisted that they compete with courage and conviction, that they ask questions of the best, and that they wear the blue and gold with the same fierce pride he had shown throughout his playing days.
Philly’s passing inevitably brings to mind another immense loss — that of Liam Kearns, whose sudden death a few short years ago left a deep void in Tipperary football. Though Liam hailed from beyond our borders, he too came to love Tipp football and its people, crafting a remarkable story during his time in charge. One can almost picture the two of them now — Philly and Liam — side by side on the Heavenly sideline, sharing a laugh, swapping stories, and keeping a watchful eye on the game they both adored.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Philly Ryan’s family and friends, to his teammates and lifelong companions at Clonmel Commercials, and to the players who shared in his vision and journey as Tipperary manager. Philly was so much more than a football man — he was a warm, generous, fun-loving soul who brought light wherever he went, whose laughter lifted spirits, and whose decency defined him.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
An on-field shock as champions are dethroned.
Champions Loughmore Castleiney came a cropper against Kilsheelan Kilcash in dramatic circumstances in the only semi-final of the weekend – the Commercials vs Upperchurch Drombane game was correctly postponed following news of Philly Ryan’s sudden demise. Perhaps it is because of the relentless march of the champions over the last number of years that the presumption was that they would continue their journey towards retaining their title.
Perhaps it was lazy punditry and commentary which placed them as rank favourites to win their semi-final comfortably. Or perhaps it was because the credentials of Kilsheelan Kilcash had not been appropriately assessed and accurately relayed. Maybe it was even a combination of all of these elements, but the victory of the south men was stunning and revealing, leaving the champions shocked and broken.
Four points in injury time tells of the sting in the tail, but the rest of the game speaks to the resilience and belief in the south men – a famous victory for them and one they will want to back-up in the final against either Commercials or Upperchurch Drombane. There will be a freshness to the final now; an opportunity for another team to emerge; an excitement to replace the sense of the familiar with the unexpected.
It’s county senior hurling final day – can’t wait.
Yes, the biggest day on the domestic GAA calendar is almost upon us and to be quite frank about it, hurling enthusiasts cannot wait. Loughmore Castleiney and Nenagh Éire Óg are sharpening the scalpels this week as they ready themselves for operation Dan Breen Cup. Ultimately, it will all come down to the answers provided to the following questions:
(1) How damaging will the football loss be to Loughmore Castleiney, both in a physical and pyschological sense? – John and Liam McGrath both departed through injury, Noel didn’t start. Are all the games finally catching up on them? – we have articulated that theory often in the past only for these great men to obliterate the notion. Someday it will come to pass.
(2) Can Nenagh Éire Óg turn up on county final day with their best foot forward? Inconsistency has been the biggest accusation thrown in their direction, and with good reason.
We have a cracking Premier Intermediate final in the offing too – Upperchurch Drombane against Carrick Swans should be a brilliant curtain raiser. And, in the Intermediate final, neighbours Knockavilla Kickhams and Golden Kilfeacle clash in Cashel, while Holycross Ballycahill and Kiladangan meet in the Junior A final.
These promise to be marvellous occasions -let’s hope we get the games befitting the Premier County showpieces.