PAT RYAN told his brother Ray’s funeral how he “lit up the room” following his tragic death.
Ray Ryan, brother of Cork senior hurling manager Pat, died on Tuesday at the age of 43.
His funeral took place at St. Joseph’s Church in Springhill on Friday morning.
Among the dedications in his honour were a wedding ring, a family photo with his wife and three kids, and jerseys belonging to Sarsfields, Glanmire, and Cork.
He was part of Sarsfields teams that won county titles in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014.
And speaking at his brother’s funeral, Pat Ryan revealed a story from one club match that “sums him up”.
He explained: “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.”
Sarsfields led the tributes to Ray Ryan, but were joined by the rest of the sporting community in Cork.
It was a demonstration of the cherished place that he held in the area, with Pat thanking those for offering their condolences.
He said: “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.
“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.”
