Tributes paid in court to Cork hurling star and garda Ray Ryan who died suddenly age 43

Eanna Martin, left, Eoin Quigley and Ray Ryan, right, Sarsfields, celebrate their side's victory. Cork County Senior Hurling Championship Final, Glen Rovers v Sarsfields. Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork. Picture: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

A somber minute’s silence was held in Midleton District Court today for Cork hurling star and respected Garda Ray Ryan following his sudden death at the age of 43.

Mr Ryan’s deep and positive impact on his community will live on in the lives of all those he helped and inspired, solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said, leading tributes to the much-loved former Cork senior hurler and captain.

Mr Ryan “always had a smile on his face, a cheerful word to say and a great sense of humour,” Mr Cuddigan said.

“His files were always meticulously prepared for court and he was a highly accomplished sportsman.

“To win one county final is exceptional,” Mr Cuddigan said, but to win four “puts him up with the best”.

“He also wore the red jersey for Cork with distinction.

“And he was a very generous man, he could have sat at home and looked at his medals but he didn’t,” Mr Cuddigan said.

“He introduced many children to the joys of hurling and football through his coaching with Sarsfields GAA Club.

“And if you can introduce one person to something good like sport that can have a lifelong impact on them and they may well pass on that love of sport to someone else so it rebounds through the years.” 

Mr Ryan’s work for the community in Glanmire through his volunteering with the GAA would have a lifelong impact, Mr Cuddigan said.

He extended condolences to Mr Ryan’s beloved wife, Aishling, his family, his parents, siblings, and friends.

But he also extended condolences to his “second family” at Cobh Garda Station, a “very cohesive station” from which he will be deeply missed.

Major trauma is rarely understood except by people who have also suffered serious trauma, Mr Cuddigan said.

And gardaí are routinely exposed to major trauma, responding to gruesome crime scenes and tragic road accidents, he said.

“The only people who understand that trauma - the night terrors – is someone who has been through that too.

“I have no doubt in his younger days he received solace from older members who provided solace to him. And I have no doubt that he too shared solace with younger garda members.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.” 

Sarsfields Ray Ryan and De La Salle's Paidi Nevin. Picture: ©INPHO/Neil Danton

Judge Colm Roberts said that he wanted to “totally reiterate” Mr Cuddigan’s sentiments.

“It’s a great loss to his family, the garda community and the whole community.

“Because that’s’ what gardaí do, they serve the whole community. That’s forgotten in the headlines.

“I always remember a person who saw problems before they became problems. But they rarely get the accolades as they solved the problem before it actually became one.

“And there’s a lot of [such] work that gardaí do as guardians of the peace.

“And I think we probably take the Gardaí for granted, and the difficulties and tragedies they have to observe.

“An Garda Síochána’s work is something we need to acknowledge and appreciate and not take for granted.

“And Mr Ryan is a great example of that.” 

Superintendent Adrian Gamble said that Mr Ryan’s garda colleagues were devastated by his loss.

“I don’t want to be here today but we are where we are,” he told Midleton District Court.

“On behalf of his second garda family, our thoughts are with his wife Aishling and their three kids.” Mr Ryan had served as a garda for 15 years, starting in Bandon before being transferred to Mayfield in Cork city’s northside.

“He won four county senior medals - at centre-back – a pivotal position,” Supt Gamble said.

“His spirit in the GAA was unwavering. His own brother is the Cork hurling manager [Pat Ryan].

“It’s sad for everyone, for his entire community.

“We will miss him. And we will give him a good sendoff over the coming days.” 

The Probation Service and the Courts Service also extended their respects to Mr Ryan and their sympathies to his family in court.

“May he rest in peace,” Judge Roberts said.

A prayer service was held in Cobh on Wednesday night, attended by his garda colleagues, Chief Superintendent Vincent O’Sullivan, the Garda Chaplain, and the Garda Welfare Service.

Mr Ryan, a former Cork senior hurler, won four county senior championships.

He played for Sarsfields GAA Club, where he continued to volunteer, becoming the club’s minor manager and a hugely respected “club stalwart.” A statement from Sarsfields GAA said that the club was heartbroken by the news of his death.

“His loss has left an immense void not only within our club, but also within Glanmire Football Club and the wider Glanmire community.

“Ray’s unwavering dedication and passion for the game, as well as his kindness and commitment to our club will forever be remembered.” Mr Ryan died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 25.

He was the “dearly beloved husband of Aishling (née Foley), adored dad of McKenna, Rory, and Elliot. Much loved son of Marian and Paddy, and loving brother of Pat, Trevor, and Ken,” a tribute on RIP.ie said.

He will repose at Barry Bros. Funeral Home, Hazelwood, Glanmire, on Thursday from 4.00pm to 6.00pm.

Requiem Mass will be held on Friday at 11.00am in St Joseph’s Church, Springhill, which can be viewed on Mycondolences.ie.

His funeral will continue afterwards to St Joseph's Cemetery, Little Island.