Tributes have been paid to Freshford native, All-Ireland winning Kilkenny hurler and retired Garda Superintendent Gordon Ryan, who died on Thursday last, July 30th.
Mr Ryan, who was a resident of Ballinakill Downs in Waterford City, was a hugely respected figure within Gaelic Games and was a member of the All-Ireland winning Kilkenny senior panels in 1982 and 1983. A year later, Gordon enjoyed further success when landing a County Intermediate title with Saint Lachtain’s.
In the early 1990s, Gordon joined Ballygunner Hurling Club and later wore the red and black of the Gunners, winning Waterford Senior Championship medals in 1996 and 1997.
Having managed Ballygunner to its first Munster Senior Club title in 2001 (his first year in charge), Gordon returned to Saint Lachtain’s where he managed the club to the County, Leinster and All-Ireland treble in the 2009/2010 season.
In 2020, he also managed the Army Cadets to victory in the Feargal Meagher Cup.
Having served as a Garda in Thomastown, Gordon Ryan rose to the rank of Superintendent within the Waterford/Kilkenny Garda Division, having made his home in Waterford City alongside Phil, his wife and fellow Garda.
Ballygunner’s tribute
In a tribute posted on Ballygunner Hurling Club’s official Facebook page, Gordon Ryan was described as “a club legend”.
“Gordon was steeped in the GAA family and tradition, and contributed hugely to the organisation on so many levels…
“Gordon Ryan was a stalwart of Ballygunner HC, and helped so many of our players, young and old, enabling them to do and be their very best.
“Our club is indebted to him for the massive role he played over so many years, and for all the people he helped in the most selfless of ways… We will be forever grateful for his service.”
Freshford-based County Councillor Michael McCarthy described Gordon Ryan as a talented hurler, a great clubman and a loyal friend.
Requiem Mass for the repose of Mr Ryan’s soul was celebrated at St Mary’s Church in Ballygunner (Waterford City) yesterday followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Gordon Ryan was predeceased by his father Bill and is survived by wife Phil, his mother Patricia, children Diana, Philip and Aidan, siblings Mary, Deirdre, Ger, Billy and Clement, grandchildren Ciara, Scott, Cian, Steven, David, Marlow, and Robin, daughters-in-law Suzanne and Jasmin, son-in-law Alan, extended family and his many friends and colleagues.
May he Rest In Peace.
