‘A gentleman’ – warm tributes paid to former Kilkenny hurler killed in road tragedy
Tributes have been paid to the former Kilkenny hurler Lester Ryan Snr, who died in a tragic road accident yesterday.
Lester (61) died after an accident involving his bicycle and a tractor near his home in Gowran at around 3.45pm.
In a statement, Kilkenny GAA said “all associated with Kilkenny GAA were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Lester Ryan (Senior)”, adding: “As a player and as a Coach he left his mark on the GAA community both in Kilkenny and beyond. We extend our sympathies to his Wife and family. Ar deis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Kilkenny Camogie said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the tragedy. It said on Instagram: “Lester was a gentleman and he worked with a number of officers during the recent hosting of the National Féile in Kilkenny. He was also a GAA referee having joined the ranks a number of years ago. A great GAA man he played with Clara alongside his brothers Johnny (RIP) and Harry and also played with Kilkenny winning two Minor All Ireland Medals and three Senior Leinster titles.
“He was member of the Leinster Council where he worked for a number of years as a Coaching Officer he had retired a number of years ago. He was also heavily involved with the Leinster Poc Fada committee where people would see him in attendance in Howth for the Provincial Finals. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Christine, sons Joseph & Conor and his daughters Niamh & Eimear.”
Carlow County Camogie also paid tribute to the former Clare player, saying: “It was with much regret and deep sorry that we learned of the untimingly passing of Lester Ryan RIP yesterday evening. Many people involved in Camogie and the GAA across Carlow knew and above all respected Lester. A pure gentleman whose intention always was to improve every.”
Lester played for Kilkenny in the 1980s and ’90s, winning three Leinster titles alongside his brother Harry. His other brother, Johnny, also played with the Clara club. Johnny Ryan died in 2015 following a farm accident.
Lester’s nephew is the 2014 Kilkenny All-Ireland winning captain, Lester Ryan.
In recent years, Lester held a coaching role with the Leinster Council, was a GAA referee and also part of the Leinster Poc Fada committee.
PHOTO: Carlow County Camogie
