'Micheál leaves a lasting legacy' - Carlow GAA club pays tribute to beloved hurler

Ballinkillen GAA club has posted a tribute following the heartbreaking death of a popular local man who was a huge part of the club.

Michéal Ryan from Corries, Bagenalstown, Carlow sadly passed away last Thursday.

Michéal will be forever loved and deeply missed by his heartbroken wife Aoife, daughter Saoirse, his parents Eileen and Paddy. Along with his brothers Peter and Jonathan, and sister Catriona. Brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, niece and nephew, his extended family and many friends.

Ballinkillen GAA said on social media: “There was great sadness and a profound sense of shock throughout our community as news broke on Thursday morning of the untimely passing of our club player and member, Micheál Ryan.

“Micheál began his hurling journey in Ballinkillen National School before progressing through the underage ranks of our club. He honed his skills through countless hours on the pitch, and his dedication and determination saw him regularly play above his age throughout his youth.

“Even in those early years, his character was evident: a bubbly personality, infectious energy and a natural enthusiasm for the game”.

The sports club said that in 2001, Micheál was an integral member of their U12 B championship-winning team, followed by an U14 B title in 2003.

By 2005, people were really beginning to take note of the fine hurler he had become, as he won a Junior medal while still only U16 — an outstanding achievement and a testament to his ability and talent, the club said.

“In 2007, he featured in the county minor final, lining out at centre-forward to bolster the attack. The challenge never fazed him. For Micheál, it was all about hurling, all about the team and all about our club.

“During his time in Borris Vocational School he was a vital part of many winning teams across both codes in what was a major catalyst for later Carlow success. Micheál was part of the All-Ireland-winning hurling team in 2006 when they defeated Nenagh VS, and he went on to captain the team in 2007.

“Indeed, 2006 was a busy year on the school pitch for him as Borris captured a Leinster Football title but bowed out at All-Ireland semi-final stage, with Micheál playing at wing-back. He continued that fine form throughout his education and won a Division 1 Hurling League medal with Carlow IT in the 2014/15 season and went on to play several years of Fitzgibbon Cup, where he matched himself against the best in the country.

The club said that Michael progressed into adult hurling with ease and relished the challenges it brought. He was part of the Leinster League-winning sides of 2013 and 2017, two tremendous achievements for the club. In 2021, he captained the Senior side for the championship and won the Bolger Cup.

“Leadership came naturally to Micheál. He was a great communicator, a listener and someone who got on with everyone. He had a wonderful ability to read a situation and know when to crack a joke or when to crack the whip! Micheál knew his troops and always seemed to know how to get the best out of them. His final appearance for the club came as a substitute in the 2025 Junior final against Bagenalstown,” Ballinkillen GAA club said.

The club continued with: “On the pitch, Micheál was a mobile and skilful defender who combined guile, strength and power to outwit forwards of every shape and size.

“He was a superb reader of the game and a natural leader, constantly talking, encouraging and leading by example. He was a fierce competitor, but always a sportsman. No matter how hard the battle, every game ended with a handshake and that familiar, mischievous smile.

“For all his commitment to hurling, Micheál had the perfect attitude towards the game. He understood that it was sport, something to be enjoyed for its own sake, and just one part of what made him the person we knew as “Dewey”.

“That attitude was perhaps best captured in his later years, when he might ramble into training with a broken hurl, pick up a spare from one of the lads and declare, “I like the feel of that,” before proceeding to use it for the rest of the year! It was a small but perfect example of his character and the enjoyment he brought to everything he did.

“Micheál's contribution extended well beyond the playing field. He understood the role he had to play in the wider club and community, giving freely of his time and energy to social events, fundraising and whatever else was needed. He was someone who contributed without fuss, and his presence and personality enriched the club in so many ways.

“Micheál's talent was always evident at club level, and it was only natural that it would be recognised at county level too. Having progressed through the various underage teams, he was selected for the Carlow minor team in 2007, lining out against Wexford, Meath and Laois. His impressive performances in the county jersey, coupled with his burgeoning adult club career, earned him selection on both the U21 and senior county panels in 2008. He went on to represent Carlow at U21 level for three years.

In total, Micheál represented his beloved Carlow at adult level on 34 occasions: four championship appearances, 17 league games and 13 Walsh Cup and Kehoe Cup outings. These achievements stand as a testament to his talent, commitment and pride in wearing the Carlow jersey.

“Micheál leaves a lasting legacy, not only within Ballinkillen Hurling Club but throughout the wider community. He will be remembered with great affection by all who had the privilege of knowing him — as a talented hurler, a natural leader, a fierce competitor, a loyal clubman and, above all, a wonderful character whose energy and humour made him so special.

“While his passing leaves an enormous void, the memories he created, the friendships he forged and the contribution he made to our club will endure for generations to come.

“Ballinkillen Hurling Club wishes to extend its heartfelt sympathies to Micheál's wife, Aoife, and daughter, Saoirse; his parents, Eileen and Paddy; his brothers, Peter and Jonathan; his sister, Catriona; his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, niece and nephew; his extended family and his many friends,” the club said.