Pat Ryan: ‘He always wanted to be good to Sars and Glanmire, and that is what Ray was’
Mourners congregate outside Ray Ryan's funeral at St. Joseph’s Church, Springhill, Glanmire. Pic: Noel Sweeney
Ray Ryan was remembered as a figure who lit up any room he was in and as a passionate clubman at his funeral service on Friday in St. Joseph’s Church, Springhill.
Ryan passed away this week at the age of 43. Friends, family, clubmates and work colleagues gathered to pay tribute to the former Cork and Sarsfields hurler. He was a member of An Garda Síochana, stationed in Cobh, and Assistant Commissioner Eileen Foster was among the congregation.
In a heartfelt eulogy, his brother Pat, the current Cork senior hurling manager, spoke of a man who loved representing his club on and off the pitch. Ray’s coffin was draped in a Sarsfields and Glanmire flag.
“I thought the hardest speech I would ever have to give would be after losing an All-Ireland final but unfortunately Ray found something extra,” Pat said. His brothers Ken and Trevor stood by his side. Pat referenced double legend Teddy McCarthy, who passed away in 2023.
“Ray had many titles. Son, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, team-mate, Garda, coach. But the most treasured one he had was Aisling’s husband and dad of his wonderful kids, McKenna, Rory and Elliot.
“Obviously, this is a very sad day, but I know Ray would love what is going on. He always loved to be the centre of attention, the crowd that turned out last night, he would be absolutely delighted. I can only imagine him telling Teddy in heaven today that his removal was bigger and better than his, arguing about games and matches, discussing everything and probably arguing about the sweeper system which Teddy hated and Ray always liked.”
Symbols of his life were offered including a wedding ring, a family photo with his wife and three children and grass seed to represent his pride in the home they built together. There were also three jerseys: Sarsfields, Glanmire and Cork.
“Ray got so much enjoyment out of Glanmire winning the county this year, especially with so many of his friends involved playing and in the management team. His great friend Mark Hopkins managed the team he loved so much. My great friend Kieran Kingston said to me one time when I took over the Cork team, ‘Temperament is the most important thing you have,’ and by God, Ray had it. He was a phenomenal player for the big day.”
Ryan helped Sars win Cork SHC titles in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. He lined out at centre-back for all four final triumphs, which was his favourite position. He always took issue when he was positioned somewhere else in defence. After his first county title, he was invited to be part of the new Cork panel under Gerald McCarthy. Ray went on to make his championship debut in 2010 against Limerick.
“One small story to sum up Ray,” said an emotional Pat.
“I was manager at the time and we were playing our great rivals and friends Erin's Own. Ray was playing at centre-back, as he had to be in those days. I told Ray that if we conceded no goal, we would win the match. He was to sit in front of the full-back line. That was grand anyway, the fella he was on got four or five points, but we won the match.
“We were back in the club anyway afterwards and Ray was getting a desperate slagging from the lads about the four or five points. He came over to me and said, ‘I’m getting roasted over here after your crazy idea.’ I just said, ‘didn’t we win?’ He smiled and said, ‘That is all that matters,’ and off he went.
"Ray was willing to do anything to win for the club. He always wanted to be good to Sars and Glanmire, and that is what Ray was. To play with Ray on so many great days was, and always will be, the greatest achievement in my GAA lifetime.
"We were so proud to play together, represent the jersey, come home to see our father in the club afterwards and have a few pints.”
An entire community has come forward to support the Ryan family and his wife Aishling. Pat wanted to pay tribute to each and every one of them. They saw how special a place Crawford Woods is this week.
“We will always be here for Aishling and the kids. Ray’s brothers are rearing three kids of our own, we all have three each, but now it will become six. His life lives on through them,” said Pat.
“He lit up the room when he came into it. We cherish the man he was and the legacy he has left. Our hearts are broken but our memories will be strong and filled with the good of what he left us. We love him. Until we meet again brother, we love you, Ray.”
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