Lasting tribute to Philly Ryan as new Tipperary SFC Cup unveiled

The late Philly Ryan ©INPHO

The new Tipperary senior football championship trophy has been named the Philly Ryan Cup in honour of the late Clonmel Commercials and Tipperary football stalwart.

Ryan, who was Tipperary senior football manager at the time, died suddenly on October 18th last year, aged 56.

Tipperary GAA has now accepted the new cup from Philly’s family and Clonmel Commercials, with his wife Anna, daughters Amy and Katie and son Shane presenting the trophy alongside club representatives.

A five-time Tipperary SFC winner with Clonmel Commercials as a player, Ryan also served the county as a goalkeeper, coach, manager and mentor.

The Philly Ryan Cup will be presented to the winners of the Tipperary SFC from this year onwards, providing a lasting tribute to his contribution to Tipperary football.

“Philly was a proud Clonmel Commercials clubman and a hugely respected figure within Tipperary football serving the game with distinction as a player, coach, manager and mentor. His contribution to both club and county was immense and his passion for football was evident throughout his long involvement in the GAA," read a statement from Tipperary county board.

“It is fitting that his name will now have a permanent place in Tipperary football with the Philly Ryan Cup becoming the trophy presented to the winners of the Tipperary County Senior Football Championship.

“The cup was presented by Philly’s wife Anna, daughters Amy and Katie and son Shane alongside representatives of Clonmel Commercials.

“A fitting and lasting tribute to a man whose contribution to Tipperary football will never be forgotten.”