The Late Dr Anthony Philip Ryan Coventry's Four Masters Gaelic Football Club is mourning the loss of its long-time President Dr Anthony Philip Ryan who has died aged 77. Dr Ryan was born in Carlingford, Co. Louth and moved to Coventry in the 1960s immediately getting involved with Irish community activities, including Gaelic football. He had been President of the Four Masters Gaelic Football Club since 1972 and became known to all as The Doctor. Club Vice-President Patsy Meehan said "Dr Ryan was known and admired throughout Britain for his devotion to promoting Gaelic football. He always carried a spare set of football boots in his car and if Four Masters were short of players he often togged out even into his 50s. "I doubt if he could ever be replaced. He just gave so much for the benefit of others. "He was a fine man, a gentleman and a proud Irishman who we all feel very honoured to have met." Dr Ryan was also a leading light in the development of the Gaelic Athletics Association in Solihull and held the posts of President and Vice-President of the Warwickshire County Gaelic Athletics Association. Dr Ryan died at his home with his family at his side. He leaves a widow Valerie, his son Patrick and daughter Sally. Hundreds attended his funeral service at All Souls RC Church in the Chapelfields area of Coventry. Courtesy of the Irish Post September 2003 Tweet

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