'Such a great chap': Young Irish man immersed in sport mourned after shock death abroad

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved young Irish man who passed away suddenly in the UK.

Hugh William Mulryan, known to friends and family as Hughie, was originally from Oranmore in Co Galway and died unexpectedly earlier this month. His death has left his family, friends, horse racing community and all who knew him devastated.

In a death notice shared on RIP.ie, his family described him as the "cherished youngest son of Christina and Liam" and the "beloved brother of Eva, Michael, Jennifer and Eric."

"Much loved uncle to his nephew and nieces and brother-in-law to Conor and Joey. Hughie will be deeply missed by his family, uncle, aunts, cousins, extended family and a large circle of friends," the notice read.

Hughie came from a family steeped in the world of horse racing. His father, Liam Mulryan, is a well-known owner-breeder whose familiar red and yellow silks are regularly seen on tracks across Ireland and the UK.

Hughie shared that same passion and talent for the sport, spending time working with leading trainers and studs including Denis Hogan, Sir Mark Prescott, and Baroda Stud in Kildare.

According to the Racing Post, Hughie was a familiar face in racing and bloodstock circles and had recently travelled to the UK to begin a new role at Adrian Keatley's Ryedale yard in North Yorkshire.

As news of his untimely passing spread, tributes poured in from across the communities Hughie had touched through sport, study, and his love of horses.

Baroda Stud, where Hugh worked over the years, posted: "Incredibly sad news came on Monday that Hugh Mulryan died in the UK. Hugh worked with us on the farm and at the Consignment a few times over the last number of years.

"Such a great chap, very smart, studied Law, loved horses and had a great interest in all aspects of the industry.

"David, Tamso, Brian and all the team in Baroda were so sad to hear the news, we only saw him last week. Our deepest sympathy to his father Liam, his mother Christina and all his family and many friends."

His former GAA club also remembered him fondly.

"Oranmore Maree GAA club are saddened to hear about the untimely passing of former underage club footballer, Hugh Mulryan.

"We send our sympathies to Hugh's family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace."

Hugh's primary school also paid tribute, remembering him as a valued member of the school community.

Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire, Bawnmore wrote: "We were deeply saddened in Bawnmore to learn of the death of past pupil Hugh Mulryan. We have fond memories of Hugh's time here.

"We express our deepest sympathies to his parents Christina and Liam, and his sister Eva and the McGarrity family who are part of our school community. May he rest in peace."

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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