RIP: Sadness in Kilkenny parish as former hurler and county medal winner dies

The death occurred of Gordon Ryan, Ballinakill Downs, Dunmore Road, Waterford and formerly of Kilkenny Road, Freshford.

Gordan, who was in his mid 60s had been unwell for past year, but his illness was borne with dignity and courage. He and his family moved to Freshford in early 70s when his father, the late Bill Ryan, was appointed Sergeant in the village. Gordan followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Gardaí. He was appointed sergeant and later became an inspector in the force. His wife Phil was also a member of the force, as is his daughter Diana.

A skilled hurler and athlete, he played hurling with St Lachtain’s club for many years. He won two All-Ireland medals with the Kilkenny senior hurling side in 1982 and 1983. He joined the famous Ballygunner club in Waterford in the early 1990s as a juvenile coach and later as a player, winning county medals with the club in 1996 and 1997. He went on to manage the team in 2001 and led them to their first Munster title in his first year in charge. He also served as a performance coach and sports psychologist.

He returned to his native Freshford in 2009 and led St Lachlan's intermediate hurlers to county final victory and went on to win Leinster and All Ireland titles. In 2020 he managed the Army cadets to success in the Meagher Cup.

Funeral mass was celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Ballygunner followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. He is survived by his wife Phil; sons Philip and Aidan; daughter Diana; mother Pat; grandchildren; brothers Ger, Billy and Clement; sisters Mary and Deirdre; other relatives and friends.

Sympathy went to Liam Beehan, The Square, who has been bereaved by the death of his brother Sean, Foulkscourt, Johnstown.

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