“He will be sorely missed by all” – Young Munster pay tribute to former player after Limerick crash

Patrick McCarry

“An incredible young man with oceans of potential.”

Young Munster are among the many that have come forward to pay their respects to Darren Ryan after the 30-year-old was killed in a car crash, on Sunday morning.

Ryan, who played rugby at St Munchin’s and Young Munster, growing up, then Kilfeacle RFC and Garryowen FC in more recent years, was killed when the minibus he was driving struck Athlunkard Bridge, Limerick shortly before 3am.

Darren Ryan was one of triplet brothers, along with Evan and Gavan, all of whom played rugby for Young Munster. He was in their winning Munster Junior Cup side, in 2016, and was part of the club’s senior squad for five years. On Sunday, Young Munster released a statement after Ryan’s tragic passing was confirmed:

‘Everyone in Young Munster RFC is shocked and saddened of the sudden loss of former player Darren Ryan.

‘Our immediate thoughts are with the Ryan family in particular his parents Ray & Trish and siblings Evan, Gavin and Dawn and his son Raymie who Darren adored.

‘The Ryan family have a long tradition of playing with Young Munster. Darren, a back row forward, began playing underage with the club and schools rugby with St Munchins College from where he went on to be part of our Senior squad from 2013 – 2018 having played in the All Ireland league Semi Final in 2017 against Clontarf FC and also played on the winning Munster Junior Cup team in 2016 versus Cork Constitution FC.

‘Darrens triplet brothers Evan & Gavin were also part of the Young Munster squads during this time and his dad Ray was second row in the famous Young Munster All Ireland winning league team in 1993.’

‘Darren was an outstanding player whose character lit up the dressing room,’ the statement continued. ‘He will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of playing with and coaching him. He will be sorely missed by all in Young Munster and the wider rugby community.’

Clare TD Cathal Crowe (Fianna Fáil) stated that Darren Ryan was ‘an incredible young man with oceans of potential’.

A funeral Mass for Darren Ryan will be held in John the Baptist Church, Meelick on Thursday, November 9.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R463 between 2.30am and 3.30am on Sunday, November 5 are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.