Tony Ryan, who died this morning, is pictured here by Joe Cashin as he is just about to start the time trial in the John Hearne International
The Irish cycling community is today mourning one of its biggest personalities, with news that legendary Carrick-on-Suir rider, coach and mentor Tony Ryan has passed away.
Tony died in the early hours of this morning after being ill for a number of years. He is survived by his wife Peggy and son Paul.
Tony began his cycling career with Carrick Cycling Club but in the late 1960s he departed that outfit and was one of the founder members of the local rivals Carrick Wheelers Road Club.
He was perhaps best known for having been instrumental in introducing Sean Kelly to racing as a boy in Carrick. He then coached him for many years, before mentoring him well into his life as a professional rider.
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However, to define Tony simply by his relationship with Kelly would be to miss the point of the man.
He was one of the country’s top riders in his day and competed to international level, with the Harding GP being one of his biggest wins. He raced well into his veteran years and was among a group of riders of his generation who redefined age limits in the sport; effectively showing others that there are no limits.
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Tony continued training with Carrick Wheelers long after he finished racing and was a regular on the club runs well into his 60s. Indeed, the club meeting point at the old ESB building in Carrick is just yards from his family home on O’Mahoney Ave.
It was in that house that some of the best riders in the country were properly fitted for their bikes for the first time in their careers. Riders who came to Tony’s attention benefitted from his expertise and the sheer warmth of his welcome from the time they were schoolboys right through the full span of their cycling lives.
He was the kind of man who gave everything he had to the bike and to those around him and his passing is a massive loss.
Away from his life in cycling – if he ever truly got away from it – he worked for most of his career as a rates collector with Carrick Urban District Council.
Rest in peace Ryaner.
Funeral Arrangements as follows:
- Removal from Walsh's Funeral Home 6.15pm Sunday to St Nicholas Church
- Funeral Mass 10.30am Monday St Nicholas Church with burial afterwards in St Mary's Cemetery Carrickbeg
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis
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