The GAA community of Moycarkey Borris are saddened to hear of Donal Ryan’s death. An athletic, skilful and totally committed player Donal was one of our most consistent and long serving players. Donal and his brother Pat first made the headlines together as players on the Tipperary team that won the Munster and All Ireland Minor Hurling Championship in 1955. He excelled at wing-back that day against Galway while Pat scored 2 goals. Also in 1955 Donal played at midfield on the Moycarkey team that won the County Junior Hurling Championship. He graduated to the club’s Senior Hurling team the following year and was a regular on the team for the next 20 years. In the 1962 County Seniors Hurling Final Donal played on the Moycarkey Borris team captained by his brother Pat that lost narrowly to Sarsfields. A County Senior Hurling medal eluded Donal but he won 3 Mid Senior Hurling medals. Donal was a great trainer and over his long playing career he was regularly seen in the hurling field doing extra running and ball work. In 1975 Donal was the most experienced Moycarkey player in the County Senior Hurling semi-final against Moneygall. Still featuring in inter- firm teams in 1978 Donal’s playing career had spanned over two decades of team- mates, his dedication is often recalled and always respected.
Our sincere sympathies to Sadie, Margaret, Ann, Angela and all the family.
— Moycarkey Borris GAA