Ryan, Paddy
March 01, 2013The death took place recently of Patrick (Paddy) Ryan, Ballymaclune, Quin. One of the best-known personalities in the Quin area, he was a member of a widely known and popular family.
A son of the late Paddy and Mary Ryan, he was born in Clarecastle but grew up in Quin. His father worked in different locations with CIE and was station master in areas such as Ardsollus (Quin), Sixmilebridge and Killonan near Limerick.
After his school years, Paddy worked as a motor mechanic and served his time with Ambrose's garage in Mill Road, Ennis. Afterwards he joined the sales and catering section in Shannon where he worked in the general stores.
A part-time farmer for some time, he later established his own bus service in Quin after leaving Shannon. He had two buses on the road and he and his wife, Brenda, transported pupils to schools in Ennis and Tulla from the Quin and East Clare areas. They extended the service to cater for players and supporters going to GAA and other sporting fixtures over a long number of years. Their buses were also available for social outings.
A great GAA activist throughout his life, Paddy was involved in the GAA at local level and was a past president of Quin GAA Club and at the time of his death, was vice- president of Clooney-Quin GAA Club. He also had a hackney car service and for years was official driver to Clare GAA. In his retirement years, he attended as many GAA and camogie matches as possible and was a familar figure with his own foldable seat and umbrella and recording the scores in his notebook.
He also supported the Fianna Fail party and five years ago, on the occasion of his 80th birthday, former Clare TD and Government Minister, Brendan Daly, unveiled a painting of him in the Village Inn Lounge Bar in Quin. Commissioned by Village Inn proprietor, Tom Ryan, the painting was the work of artist Deirdre McCullough.
Over a long and eventful life, Paddy will be remembered as a great family man; a person with great humour and wit and one who contributed a lot to his local community in many different ways.
Paddy did not enjoy the best of health in recent times. His peaceful death took place in his home on Sunday, January 27, surrounded by his wife and family, grandchildren and Fr Michael Collins PP, Quin.
His many friends turned out in big numbers for the removal of his remains from Daly's Mortuary Chapel, Ennis to Quin Church on January 30 and the funeral mass the following day celebrated by Fr Collins, neighbour Fr Anthony Mulvihill, Kilnamona native Fr Thomas Monahan and Fr Harry Brady, PP Clarecastle, formerly of the Quin parish.
His funeral to Quin Abbey on January 31 was on the day of his 85th birthday. His month's mind mass will be celebrated this Friday in Quin church at 7.30pm.
Paddy is survived by his wife, Brenda; sons Pat, Finbar, Declan and Raymond; brothers John, Ballyhannon and Mike, Quin; sisters, Ann, Banbury, England and Veronica, Louisana, USA; 15 grandchildren, one great- grandchild, relatives and friends.
Courtesy of The Clare Champion. Tweet
