ned byrne was born in kilkenny in 1948. he was educated locally at kilkenny cbs where he first became interested in the game of hurling. byrne later attended the cistercian college in roscrea where he continued hurling but also started playing rugby union. this was at a time when gaelic athletic association members were not allowed to play non-gaelic games and byrne was duly banned from being a member of the college hurling team in fifth year. in his final year at school byrne left the college rugby team and played hurling instead.