There is shock in hurling circles across Tipperary at the sad passing of Tom Ryan from Killenaule who lived in Manchester in recent years. Tom represented Killenaule and Tipperary with great distinction for many years and won All-Ireland senior hurling medals in 1961 and 1962 hurling alongside Theo English, Liam Devaney and Jimmy Doyle amongst others.
Across the years Killenaule hurlers have played huge roles with Tipperary, in recent times John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer and Declan Fanning before that Donie O Connell in the 1980s and going back further to the 1950s and 1960s, Tom Ryan was one of the hurling heroes in the blue and gold jersey that led the way for so many afterwards.
Born in 1941, Tom Ryan first took a hurley and ball in his hands as a child in Killenaule and quickly his talent shone through. He attended the local school and then Thurles CBS where he also hurled. As a minor he stood out as a player. The rising star captained Killenaule to a south title in 1958 and quickly made the county team. Also an accomplished footballer, Tom represented Tipperary at football and hurling at minor level in 1959. That year the hurlers minor hurlers won the All-Ireland with Tom playing a pivotal role.
His star rose quickly then as he was in the minds of the Tipperary selection committee across this era, and after breaking into the senior team Tom established himself as a player of serious potential. After winning a Munster title but losing an All-Ireland Senior final to Wexford in 1960, Tom played his part in helping his county achieve back to back All-Ireland success in 1961 and 1962.
The Killenaule forward played a crucial role in the 1962 final in particular as Wexford were storming back into the game after the Tipp star forward Jimmy Doyle had to go off injured. The Slaneysiders went ahead but up stepped Tom Ryan to turn the tide and raise the hopes of the Tipperary supporters that day. The Killenaule man scored a famous goal with a rocket of a shot late on in the second half to send Tipp on their way to a famous victory.
Tom's work brought him around the country and he moved from his native home gaining experience and building friendships along the way. He went on to play club hurling in Clare, Galway and Kilkenny. He brought a lot of energy and effort wherever he went and played his part for every team and won county titles in both Clare and Galway. He also represented both Clare and Galway at Intercounty level. Coming near to the end of his time hurling, Tom moved back to Killenaule to finish out his playing career with his home club.
All in Killenaule GAA are deeply saddened at the passing of Tom. The club PRO, Ed O'Brien, on behalf of the club told Tipperary Live that Tom's name will live on through time:
"One of Tom's finest days in the Blue and Gold was the 1959 All Ireland minor win over Kilkenny. Tom was carried from the field on the shoulders of his own teammates that day. A rare sight in hurling or football to see a player 'chaired' from the field by his own players, so that says all that needs to be said about Tom's performance that day.
"Killenaule GAA club has been in existence for 138 years, and in another 138 years it will still be a proud part of our history that 'Tom Ryan, Killenaule' will be part of the story of Tipperary hurling, especially so as he is part of the story of that fabled Tipp team of the 1960's.
"To Tom's family and friends we offer our sincere condolences. And to the many players who played with him and those who watched him play, our thoughts also as they remember fondly the exploits of the brilliant hurler Tom Ryan. May he rest in peace."
