Rita Ring, wife of renowned Cork hurler Christy Ring, has died.
Ms Ring (nee Taylor) from Ballintemple passed away peacefully on February 21st at the Mercy University Hospital. She was in her early 90s.
She had been married to the famous hurler for 17 years until his death in 1979.
The couple had two children together Christy and Mary. They lost another child John as a baby.
Last night, Tracey Kennedy, Cork GAA chairperson, said: “I would like to offer the sincere condolences of Cork County Board to the Ring family and the Glen Rovers/St. Nick's clubs on the death of Rita, wife of the late legendary Christy Ring, and particularly to her son and daughter, Christy and Mary and their families, for whom no doubt her death is a huge loss. Tá sí imithe ar shlí na fírinne.”
Jude O’Callaghan, club secretary with Glen Rovers which Christy Ring joined in 1941, said the club was devastated at the death of Rita Ring who he described as a quiet and unassuming woman who had a great life with her husband.
“We will be here for his daughter Mary and Christy Jnr and their children,” said Mr O’Callaghan.
The Glen will turn out in force for the funeral to recognise what she, Christy and their children have done for Cork.
@nicksgaa extend our sincere sympathy to Mary and Christy Ring on the sad passing of their mother Rita RIP.
— St. Nick's GAA (@nicksgaa) February 21, 2019
Sympathy also to the extended members of the family, including Mark,Claire and @Simon_Kennefick Kennefick.
Christy Ring is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers in the history of the game winning eight All-Ireland hurling championships in a 25-year career with the Rebel County as well as nine Munster medals and three National Hurling League medals.
Ms Ring will repose at Fordes Funeral Home, South Gate Bridge this evening from 5pm until removal at 6.30pm to St. Joseph’s S.M.A. Church, Blackrock Road.
Requiem Mass will take place at 11am tomorrow with funeral afterward to St. Colman’s Churchyard Cemetery, Cloyne.