Tributes are being paid to the father of Kilkenny hurling captain Lester Ryan who has died in a farming accident.

Johnny Ryan - who's in his 60's - was killed in an incident involving a tractor at his farm in Clara.

It is understood the accident happened between 10 and 11am this morning.

Both the Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority have launched separate investigations.

Chairperson of Clara GAA Carmel Brennan says the Ryan family has long been the backbone of the club. In a statement on behalf of the club Ms Brennan said:

"The entire parish is stunned following Johnny's death. The Ryan family has long been the backbone of the club and Johnny and his brothers have always been involved in all the various parish activities and committees.

"Johnny and his brothers were always the first to volunteer, be it stewarding or parking cars, preparing for matches etc. In fact we had a job to convince Johnny not to steward in a car park on the night of the homecoming when Lester was bringing back the Liam McCarthy cup to our club the Monday night after the All Ireland."

Speaking to Newstalk she added:

“He was a huge member of the GAA club and within the community,” Ms Brennan said.

“If there was anything you wanted done you’d just ring Johnny and he’d be there in the blink of an eye.,” she added.

Brennan described Ryan as “a family man” who began life with Clara GAA club, which his father was a founding member of, “coaching on a Saturday morning for all the children under 12.”

The Kilkenny hurlers have withdrawn from this season's Bord na Mona Walsh Cup.

The reigning All-Ireland champions will skip the traditional pre-season tournament as a mark of respect.

The Cats were scheduled to begin their season against NUI Galway on Friday night.