Cats withdraw from Walsh Cup following tragic accident
January 21, 2015
Johnny Ryan (right) pictured with his wife Lilly and son Lester ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Kilkenny have withdrawn from the Walsh Cup as a mark of respect to the late Johnny Ryan, the father of last year's All-Ireland winning captain Lester Ryan.
The popular farmer, who was in his early 60s, sustained fatal injuries after a tractor rolled back on him this morning.
The local community is in a state of shock following the accident which happened near Bennettsbridge and is being investigated by both the Health and Safety Authority and Gardai.
The deceased was a team-mate of Kilkenny manager Brian Cody on the All-Ireland winning minor team of 1972 while brothers Harry and Lester followed in his footsteps in 1975 and '77 respectively.
Harry went on to win a senior medal in 1983, Lester wore the Black and Amber at senior level for years while another brother, Kevin, captained the Kilkenny team that contested the 1985 U21 final.
The Cats were scheduled to play against Carlow and NUI Galway in this year's Walsh Cup competition. Instead, Carlow and NUI Galway will now meet in a play-off on Friday in Fenagh, 7pm.
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