Tipperary GAA has been stunned following the death of senior football manager Philly Ryan.

Reports are that the 57-year-old died after he collapsed on Saturday morning.

Mr Ryan had a lifelong association with both his native club Clonmel Commercials and with Tipperary GAA, taking over as the Premier County's senior football boss in August of last year.

Tipperary GAA released the following statement after news of Mr Ryan’s passing, describing it as “a great blow to Tipperary football”.

“Tipperary GAA County Board is deeply saddened to announce the very untimely death of current Tipperary Senior Football Manager Philly Ryan (Clonmel Commercials and Tipperary) who passed away unexpectedly earlier today.

“Philly was a proud Clonmel Commercials clubman, and a stalwart of Tipperary football, both as a player and in his later role as manager and coach. His contribution to Gaelic football in the county was immense, and his loss will be felt deeply across the GAA community.

“At club level with Clonmel Commercials, he won multiple Tipperary Senior Football Championship medals — including titles in 1986, 1989, 1990 and 2002.  At inter-county level, he joined the Tipperary senior panel in 1987 and served steadily until his retirement following the 2003 championship. As first-choice goalkeeper for Tipperary, he also captained the county side on several occasions, including in his debut year 1990 and in 1995 when Tipperary claimed the All-Ireland Senior B title. In August 2024 he was appointed as Senior Football Manager of Tipperary, bringing his rich playing and coaching experience to the role.

“Philly’s leadership, genuine commitment and passion for the cause of football in Tipperary were evident both on and off the field. He epitomised the values of dedication, teamwork and unwavering club-and-county loyalty. Under his management, the county football team had shown encouraging signs of progress and ambition.

“Tipperary County Board extends its deepest sympathies to Philly’s wife Anna, son Shane (current Tipperary Senior Football Goalkeeper), daughters Amy and Katie and his extended family, his club (Clonmel Commercials), his colleagues, the Tipperary football panel and the wider GAA community. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family. The County Board urges all supporters and members of the GAA family to show respect and solidarity at this sad time.

“The loss of Philly Ryan is a great blow to Tipperary football. We honour his memory, his service and his love of the game — and we commit to carry forward his legacy of ambition and community spirit.”

A statement released by Clonmel Commercials GAA this afternoon read: “Born and raised in Clonmel, Philly’s connection with Gaelic football ran deep from his earliest years. He first wore the blue and gold of Tipperary as a minor before progressing through the under-21 and junior grades. In 1987, he joined the Tipperary senior football panel, where his commitment, skill, and leadership quickly established him as a mainstay in the side for well over a decade.

“A natural leader and inspirational figure on and off the pitch, Ryan was central to the golden era of Clonmel Commercials, helping the club to five Tipperary Senior Football Championships in 1986, 1989, 1990, 1994, and 2002. His consistency, determination, and quiet authority made him one of the most admired players in the county game.”

The club's statement added: “Philly was known as a genuine, grounded, and generous man, whose humour and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. He carried the same quiet dignity in life that he had shown on the field of play.”

“Philly’s passing is a profound loss to Clonmel Commercials, to Tipperary GAA, and to all who were fortunate to call him a teammate, coach, or friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife and family, his friends, and all associated with Clonmel Commercials during this difficult time.”

Tipperary GAA mourns the passing of Senior Football Manager Philly Ryan RIP.https://t.co/djWSaGjnmd pic.twitter.com/N0z7HUl9P0

— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) October 18, 2025

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