Tipperary stunned by death of senior football manager Philly Ryan
TRAGIC LOSS: Tipperary manager Philly Ryan before the Allianz Football League Division 4 match between Tipperary and Longford at the Sportsgrounds in Clonmel, Tipperary in February. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
The death has occurred of Tipperary senior football manager and former county goalkeeper Philly Ryan.
The Clonmel Commercials man (57) is believed to have passed away after collapsing on Saturday morning.
Ryan was appointed Tipperary manager in August 2024 having previously been in charge of the minors and U21s in the 2000s. In his second year as minor boss, he had led Tipp to a Munster final replay defeat to Kerry.
He guided his club to a senior county title in 2012 and, immediately prior to taking over The Premier County, he had been coach/selector with Commercials.
Ryan was Tipperary first-team goalkeeper between 1990 and 2003, during which time he lined out in three Munster finals – 1994, ’95 and 2002. As captain, he won an All-Ireland B championship in 1995.
For Commercials, Ryan won five senior championship titles - 1986, ‘89, ‘90, ’94 and 2002.
Commercials were due to face Upperchurch-Drombane in Sunday’s senior semi-final but the game has been postponed as a mark of respect to their great clubman.
Ryan is the second current inter-county manager to pass away in just over 30 months. Former Tipperary boss Liam Kearns died following a sudden illness in March 2023 when he was in charge of Offaly.
The Premier County released a statement paying tribute to Ryan, describing his loss as "a great blow to Tipperary football".
"Tipperary GAA County Board is deeply saddened to announce the very untimely death of current Tipperary Senior Football Manager Philly Ryan (Clonmel Commercials and Tipperary) who passed away unexpectedly earlier today," it read.
"Philly was a proud Clonmel Commercials clubman, and a stalwart of Tipperary football, both as a player and in his later role as manager and coach. His contribution to Gaelic football in the county was immense, and his loss will be felt deeply across the GAA community.
"At club level with Clonmel Commercials, he won multiple Tipperary Senior Football Championship medals — including titles in 1986, 1989, 1990 and 2002. At inter-county level, he joined the Tipperary senior panel in 1987 and served steadily until his retirement following the 2003 championship. As first-choice goalkeeper for Tipperary, he also captained the county side on several occasions, including in his debut year 1990 and in 1995 when Tipperary claimed the All-Ireland Senior B title. In August 2024 he was appointed as Senior Football Manager of Tipperary, bringing his rich playing and coaching experience to the role.
"Philly’s leadership, genuine commitment and passion for the cause of football in Tipperary were evident both on and off the field. He epitomised the values of dedication, teamwork and unwavering club-and-county loyalty. Under his management, the county football team had shown encouraging signs of progress and ambition.
"Tipperary County Board extends its deepest sympathies to Philly’s wife Anna, son Shane (current Tipperary Senior Football Goalkeeper), daughters Amy and Katie and his extended family, his club (Clonmel Commercials), his colleagues, the Tipperary football panel and the wider GAA community. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family. The County Board urges all supporters and members of the GAA family to show respect and solidarity at this sad time.
"The loss of Philly Ryan is a great blow to Tipperary football. We honour his memory, his service and his love of the game — and we commit to carry forward his legacy of ambition and community spirit."
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