Tributes paid to former Limerick hurler following his passing

THE PASSING of a former senior and intermediate Limerick hurler, successful builder and family man has been greatly felt in his home parish and further afield.

Roger Ryan, aged 73, of Toomaline, Doon went to his God peacefully at home following an illness bravely borne on August 20.

Roger is survived by his loving wife Breda, sons Edmond, Cathal and Ruairi, daughters-in-law Audrey and Sinead, grandchildren Oisin and Finn, sisters Margaret and Josephine, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Roger, predeceased by son Fintan and brothers Jimmy and Fintan, was a self-employed builder. He also excelled with his hands on GAA pitches.

Roger was an outstanding hurler for Doon, usually playing at midfield, and was also a prominent footballer with Oola.

His talent brought him to the attention of county selectors. Roger was a member of the Limerick Intermediate hurling team that won the Munster championship in 1968.

He also played in the National League with Limerick and also in many inter-county tournament games. He also starred in county minor hurling teams and was team captain in the Munster final when Limerick lost to Tipperary in 1966 and also represented Limerick U-21 hurling and football teams.

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Roger was a club stalwart with Doon in a career spanning an incredible 26 years. He won East medals at U-16 in 1963 and 1965; U-18 in 1965 and 1967 when he was team captain; U-21 in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1970; junior championship in 1967; senior championships in 1974, 1984, and 1986.

Roger also won two County minor titles with Doon in 1965 and 1967 and two U-21 titles in 1966 and 1967. He finished off his hurling career, remarkable for its longevity, by captaining Doon to success in the Brian Butler Cup in 1989.

He also won County minor and under 21 football titles with Oola in 1967 as well as numerous East titles and was a regular on Oola GAA Club’s senior football team.

Roger learned his hurling skills at Doon CBS where he won two Munster colleges medals, Rogers Cup in 1965 and Corn Phadraig in 1967. Lifelong friendships were forged through his involvement in the GAA. Roger passed on his building skills to sons Edmond and Ruairi while Cathal is a garda.

When he found the time he was a keen huntsman included shooting, fishing, breeding and training gun dogs.

The Ryan family wish to convey their gratitude to Milford Hospice, cousins, friends and neighbours with special thanks to funeral undertaker Michael White and son Seamus.

Roger Ryan's month's mind Mass is this Saturday, October 7 in Doon church at 6.30pm. Roger is greatly missed and loved by all dear to him.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.