Willie Ryan (Limerick hurler) explained

Code:Hurling
Sport:Hurling
Willie Ryan
Irish:Liam Ó Riain
Occupation:Farmer
County:Limerick
Province:Munster
Club:Cappamore
Murroe
Claughaun
Clyears:1909–1930
1917
1926
Clcounty:1
Counties:Limerick
Icposition:Right wing-forward
Icyears:1914–1928
Icprovince:3
Icallireland:2
Nhl:0
Icupdate:22:16 3 October 2011
Birth Date:11 November 1894
Birth Place:Cappamore,
County Limerick, Ireland
Death Place:Cappamore,
County Limerick, Ireland

William Ryan (11 November 1894 – 16 July 1969) was an Irish hurler who played for club sides Cappamore, Murroe and Claughaun and at inter-county level with Limerick.

Career

Ryan was just 15-years-old when he made his first appearance for Cappamore in the 1909 championship. Cappamore was not his only club, as he also won a Limerick JHC title with Murroe in 1917. Ryan also played Gaelic football at club level and captained Cappamore to a defeat by Foynes in the 1925 Limerick JFC final. He won a Limerick SHC title with the Claughaun in 1926. Ryan's 21-year club career came to an end with a defeat for Cappamore by Croom in the delayed 1929 Limerick SHC final.[1]

Ryan first appeared on the inter-county scene with Limerick in 1914 and continued to line until his retirement in 1928. He enjoyed his first success when he was part of the Limerick team that beat Wexford in the 1918 All-Ireland final.[2] Ryan claimed a second All-Ireland medal following Limerick's defeat of Dublin in the 1921 All-Ireland final.[3] His other honours include three Munster SHC medal and four Thomond Feis medals.[4]

Ryan's performances at inter-county level resulted in his inclusion on the Ireland team at the Tailteann Games in 1924. He also enjoyed a lengthy career as a referee.

Personal life and death

Ryan, who worked as a farmer in Cappamore, married Nora Power on 21 January 1931 and the couple had four children.[5] His two sons, Séamus and Liam, were part of the Limerick team that won the Munster SHC title in 1955.[6] [7]

Ryan died on 16 July 1969, at the age of 74.[8]

Honours

Murroe

1917

Claughaun

1926

Limerick

1918, 1921

1918, 1921, 1923

1920, 1922, 1925, 1928

Notes and References

  1. News: Great Limerick Athletes: No 77 - Willie Ryan. Limerick website. 3 October 2011.
  2. Web site: Limerick profile. Hogan Stand website. 13 February 2023.
  3. Web site: Centenary of Limerick's 1921 All-Ireland hurling championship title. 18 August 2021. Limerick Leader. 13 February 2023.
  4. Web site: Senior Hurling. Munster GAA website. 13 February 2023.
  5. Web site: Marriage of William Ryan and Nora Power. Irish Genealogy website. 13 February 2023.
  6. Web site: Obituary: Liam Ryan. 31 May 2015. Irish Independent. 1 June 2015. Barry. Duggan.
  7. News: ‘We’ve lost a saint’: Parish mourns death of priest and Limerick hurler. Limerick GAA website. 11 February 2023. 12 February 2023.
  8. Web site: Death of WILLIAM RYAN on 16 July 1969. Irish Genealogy website. 13 February 2023.