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19 Oct 2025

Clonmel Commercials pay moving tribute to clubman and Tipp football manager Philly Ryan

"A club legend forever and always"

Clonmel Commercials pay moving tribute to clubman and Tipp football manager Philly Ryan

"He was one of the county’s most respected football men and a proud servant of both Clonmel Commercials and Tipperary across several decades"

Reporter:

Sports Reporter

19 Oct 2025 12:22 PM

Email:

sport@tipperarylive.ie

Clonmel Commercials Gaelic Football club has paid the following tribute to clubman Philly Ryan, who passed away suddenly yesterday -
"A tribute to a true club legend -
"All at Clonmel Commercials are absolutely devastated with the news of the passing of our special friend, coach, mentor and dedicated club legend Philly Ryan.
"It is hard to sum up such a man in words. He dedicated so much of his life to the GAA in Tipperary and to our club especially. He was one of the county’s most respected football men and a proud servant of both Clonmel Commercials and Tipperary across several decades.
"Between the posts, Philly’s accolades with the club go back as far as 1982, when winning the Peil na Nóg. Such a natural leader on the pitch, Philly made his senior debut with Commercials at just 16 years of age, winning five senior county titles in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2002.
He represented Tipperary at Minor level and progressed through to the Under 21 and Junior grades. In 1987, he joined the Tipperary senior football panel, where he remained for well over a decade. Philly also represented Munster in the inter-provincial Railway Cup competition, and in 1995 he captained Tipperary to their All-Ireland Senior B Football Championship success, remembered as one of the county’s proudest moments of that decade.
"His days on the playing pitch may be monumental but it was in his coaching endeavours that he found his true passion. Philly gave his life to our club and his county, guiding underage and senior teams with his knowledge and kindness. Our club was led to much success under Philly as manager and as selector with our senior team.
"In 2012 Philly led the seniors to their first county final win since 2002, when Philly had played himself. August 2024 was an extremely proud moment for Philly and the club, when he was appointed as Senior football manager of Tipperary.
"For as long as the game of Gaelic football is spoken of in this area and beyond, the name of Philly Ryan will always be remembered. His contribution is immeasurable but his legacy will last for many years through his son Shane, who follows in his footsteps as a Commercials and Tipperary goalkeeper and his two loving daughters Amy and Katie.
"He will be sadly missed for his dedication but more so for his warmth and guidance. All within the club will miss him deeply and in many ways he will be irreplaceable .
"Despite this, the burden of this loss will fall on his family and friends. We as a club send our deepest sympathy to (his wife) Anna, Amy, Katie and Shane, his extended family and all of Philly’s wide circle of friends. May his soul rest peacefully.
"A club legend forever and always.
"We will honour his memory, his devoted service and his lifelong love for the game, to which we owe a lasting debt of gratitude.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam".

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