Ben Tansey was the son of Bernard Tansey and Kathleen Glynn of Caltraghduff, Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon. Ben Tansey played senior intercounty football and hurling for two different counties, namely Roscommon and Meath.Ben started playing hurling and football with his local clubs, Four Roads and St. Aidan's in Roscommon. He won underage hurling championships with Four Roads and also a U16"B" All-Ireland hurling medal with Roscommon. He played Minor and Under 21 football and hurling for Roscommon.