Burgess GAA President Michael Ryan passed away suddenly at his residence in Monroe, Newtown on Monday, July 9th 2007. Michael Ryan was born in Cork on May 27th 1918 the youngest of a family of six. his father pat, a Shipping Officer in Cork died suddenly when michael was just six weeks old. Michael's mother Bridget brought her family namely Maggie, Tom, Bridie, Paddy, Con and Michael to her uncle Con hogan's house in Knocknamohilly, Newtown. Michael married Bridie Slattery from South Tipperary and the couple had three in family - Padraig, Rita and Monica. His wife Bridie and daughter Monica predeceased him. Michael became engulfed in sporting activities and was know by all age groups. He hurled with the local club Youghal and won two medals of note, North minor hurling in 1936 and Intermediate hurling in 1942. He also played junior hurling with a parish side St Conlan's. Midfield was his favourite position. After retirement from the playing pitch, he kept interest alive by following the fortunes of club and county. Michael drove alone to Lismore in November 2005 to watch Burgess play in the Munster Intermediate club championship and did likewise as recently as two weeks ago when Burgess lines out against Holyross-Ballycahill in the county SHC Qualifier at Templederry. Michael Ryan could turn his hand to anything. he cut corn, sheared sheep and had a successful sawmill business. He supplied agricultural merchants with wooden farm products. he was one of the first car owners in the parish. In the 1940s Michael bought an Ansaldo car (Italian model) from Captain Finch which he converted to a truck. He later used DKW cars and was his own mechanic. He also took a great interest in Vintage cars and perhaps it was appropriate that the cortege unexpectedly meet with three vintage cars on his last journey to Newtown. Michael had an outgoing personality and was never afraid to speak him mind. He took an avid interest in politics, history, Irish language, traditional music and song. He was gifted at "tracing" and knew the history of the fields of the parish. He travelled to Australia twice in recent years. A large crowd attended the removal of his remains to Youghalarra Church, Funeral Mass and burial at knigh. burgess GAA club formed a guard of honour at both days of the funeral. the coffin was draped with the club colours accompanied by his hat, hurley and minature DKW car. John 'Mackey' McKenna delivered a graveside oration and Maire Hocter TD Minister of State then joined him in the singing of 'Slievenamon'. Sympathy is extended to his son Padraig, daughter Rita (O'Grady), brother Con, son-in-law Michael, daughter-in-law Annette, grandchildren, Aimee, Neassa, Doireann and Fintan, nieces, nephews, relatives and large circle of friends. Courtesy of Tipperary Star July 2007 Tweet

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