Mr Paddy Ryan, Manchester (Obituary, 1977)

Obituary

Mr Paddy Ryan, Manchester

Leinster Leader 10 September 1977

The death took place recently in Manchester of former Kildare star footballer Paddy (‘Darkie’) Ryan. Native of Milltown, Newbridge, he was aged 73.

He cam on a s a sub. in the famous 1937 All-Ireland Football Final when Kildare beat Kerry, and was a member of of the Kildare senior football team for may years after that.

He won many trophies and honours with the Army Metro team during his forty years service with the Defence forces. He mad a great comeback to football in 1944 when, in the twilight of his lengthy sporting career, he returned to his native Milltown club to train and play with them. That year the Club won the Kildare intermediate championship.

He was  a life-long supporter of Gaelic games and especially of the Lily whites. He was uncle of Christy Dowling, the well-known Milltown and former Kildare county footballer. He was  a very popular figure in Kildare sporting circles until his departure for England a few years ago. His many friends will bemoan the loss of another former Kildare great.

He is survived  by his wife, sons, daughters, relatives and a host of friends.