Ryan, Margaret
January 03, 2013The untimely death of Margaret Ryan, Garryleigh, Mitchelstown, after losing her brave battle against MND (Motor Neurone Disease), though expected, evoked great sadness and heavy hearts in the locality.
Thousands paid their respects at the funeral ceremonies for the lady with a friendly word, warm smile and sincere salute for all fortunate to make her acquaintance. A devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law and friend, Margaret's guiding principles were faith, hope and charity.
The family home was a welcoming place, the hospitality first class for all over the years, Margaret made sure of that.
The Christian Roman Catholic ethos was important to Margaret in the truest and purest sense. A regular at Mass and religious ceremonies, devoted to Our Lady, as Canon Tim O'Leary pointed out at her funeral Mass on New Year's Day. Margaret's charitable
work and concern for the poor and suffering was legendary. With her husband Paddy and a caring, committed voluntary team, they carried on the Concern Christmas fast and church gate collection, so much part of the Mitchelstown tradition started by Josephine O'Connor.
The COPE Foundation and Chernobyl children were also close to Margaret's heart, devoting time and effort to both and hosting children from Chernobyl for four summers. The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association was another beneficiary of a fundraiser last year. Margaret, the Ryan family and the team were always deeply appreciative of the support of the local community.
GAA, gardening, walking and dancing were other passions of Margaret's which were enthusiastically embraced in the best possible way. From Mitchelstown to Croke Park and many venues in between she would attend games, social and cultural events, enjoying them all.
Over many years, in my role in The Avondhu, I would regularly ring the Ryan household to check a GAA fact/fixture, more often than not it was Margaret at the end of the phone and, no matter the time, she would be pleasant and helpful always. Usually she had the required answer, if not, herself or Paddy would return the call promptly with the required information. It was always appreciated and Margaret through and through, as I've heard again and again in recent days.
Margaret will be greatly missed, most especially by her loving and devoted family, but fondly remembered by all who had the good fortune to cross her path or be blessed by one of her good deeds. We can all agree with Canon O'Leary that she's now in Heaven, a reward so richly deserved.
Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a h-anam dilis.
To Paddy, Michael,. Breda, Pa and extended family, we extend our sincere sympathies on your great loss.
Courtesy of The Avondhu. Tweet
