Death of Tipperary legend Ryan

THE death has occurred of former Tipperary hurler Mick Ryan, a member of the three-in-a-row All-Ireland winning team of 1949/1951, who had the distinction of winning county championship medals both in football and hurling in Kilkenny and Cork.

A long-time resident in Cork, he was the proprietor of the Frankfield golf complex.

“There is a deep-felt sadness in Tipperary at his death,’’ said County Board Chairman John Costigan. “He was a legend in a marvellous era when Cork and Tipperary divided six Munster and six All-Ireland titles.’’

Two brothers, Jack and Dinny were also All-Ireland medal-winners and team-mates of his at the time included legendary figures like Mick ‘The Rattler’ Byrne, John Doyle, Tony Reddin, Pat Stakelum, Jimmy Finn and Phil Shanahan.

A member of the senior panel from the late 40s until 1955 — and the team’s centre-forward in his All-Ireland wins — he also won five league and three Railway Cup medals, and was chosen on the Tipp Hurling team of the Millennium.

After winning North Tipp hurling medals with Roscrea (1942 and 1945), he went on to win Kilkenny championship medals in football with St John’s in 1948 and Dicksboro in hurling two years later.

He moved to Cork in the early 50s and played with Blackrock before joining St Finbarr’s — being a member of the team which won the 1955 county championship against Glen Rovers. He also won three senior football championship medals with Clonakilty partnering Tom Moriarty at midfield.

He was well known in greyhound racing and coursing circles, the highlight being when his bitch Arithmetic competed in the Oaks semi-final at Clonmel.