Limerick lose ‘an icon’ in Ó Riain

PADDY RYAN — P.S. Ó Riain — whose death took place on Saturday night, gave a life-long commitment to the GAA in Limerick and was one of the best-known figures at national level with close to 35 years of continuous service on the Central Council.

Born in Galbally in 1919, he began a distinguished career in administration in 1935 — when elected Assistant Secretary to the Galbally club — after his playing career was ended prematurely by an injury.

His involvement with the Central Council dates back to 1967, when he was elected Chairman of the Munster Council and he was one of 17 delegates whose terms ended at Congress in Newcastle, Co. Down last April following the change in rule.

Four of these — with a century and a half of service between them — were honoured at Congress and, because he was unable to be present due of ill-health, Association President Christy Cooney and Director-General Paraic Duffy visited him at his home to make the presentation.

Last night County Board Chairman Liam Linehan paid tribute the late Mr Ryan describing him as ‘an icon of Limerick GAA.’ “He was totally involved with the Association and it was always a massive part of his life,’’ he commented. “He was an acknowledged expert in the rules and we never had any need to contact anyone about Croke Park rules when he was around.’’

Chosen as Galbally Secretary in 1948 as well as Vice-Chairman of the South Limerick Board, he went forward as a candidate for the county chairmanship the following year. Beaten by a small number of votes, he was reputed to have said ‘it wasn’t a bad outcome for an unknown from the foot of the Galtees!’

In 1950, he was elected as divisional chairman, filling this role until he retired in 1973, at which stage he had already served a four-year term as Munster Council Chairman (1967-1971) and gained his first experience at national level.

His lengthy service as Limerick’s Central Council delegate from 1975 involved him in a number of activities at national level, including several terms as a member of the prestigious Management Committee.

Other involvements included the Central Development and Club Development committees, the Games Administration Committee, as well as the Bye-Laws Committee, filling the roles of Secretary and Chairman at different stages.

He served as Chairman of the Munster ‘Player Injury Scheme’ from 1968 to 1996 and in this position, he was looked on as a recognised authority on the intricacies of the scheme.

In earlier times, he was a Limerick senior football selector for 25 years, as well as being a Munster selector and a member of the county hurling selection committee.

And, in his role as Central Council delegate (before established team coaches were chosen), he managed the 1980 All-Stars on their tour to America.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.