Tipperary GAA pays tribute following passing of two respected club figures
Mike Berkery and Eoin Ryan remembered by North Tipperary GAA Board
North Tipperary GAA has extended its sympathies to the Ballinahinch and Silvermines clubs following the deaths of two highly respected figures in the local GAA community.
The North Board offered its condolences to Ballinahinch GAA and the Berkery family following the passing of Mike Berkery, a long-standing Honorary President of the club.
Mike's association with Ballinahinch stretched back to his juvenile playing days in the 1950s and he went on to play for the club for a number of years. He also played senior hurling with St Vincent's, the Ballinahinch/Silvermines combination, and Sean Treacy's, the Ballinahinch/Newport combination, during the 1960s.
Following the end of his playing career, Mike remained a committed supporter of Ballinahinch and was still attending games in the weeks before his passing. His long service to Ballinahinch was recognised when he was made Honorary President, while his contribution to the GAA was also acknowledged with a Sean Gael award in 2015.
The North Board has also extended its sympathies to the Ryan family and Silvermines GAA following the passing of former club hurler Eoin Ryan. Eoin enjoyed considerable success during his playing career with Silvermines, winning North Intermediate Hurling Championship medals in 1994 and 1997.
He had earlier captained the club to the North U21B Hurling Championship title in 1992 and was also part of the Silvermines team which won the North Minor Hurling Championship in 1988.
Described by his club as a sharp-shooting forward and outstanding free-taker, Eoin later remained involved off the field and served as a selector with the Silvermines team which won the County U21 Hurling Championship in 2006.
His passing also led to the postponement of last weekend's North Junior C Hurling Final as a mark of respect. The decider has now been refixed for this Sunday, September 27, when Silvermines will face Ballina in Portroe at 3.00pm. Eoin's sons are members of the Silvermines panel preparing to contest the final.
The North Board has extended its sympathies to both families and to the Ballinahinch and Silvermines clubs.