Ryan, PJ
January 08, 2011Limerick famous GAA official, P S O Riain of Galbally, passed away on New Year's day at the age of 94.
Mr O Riain, better known as Paddy Ryan, served as chairman of the Munster Council in the 1970's as well as chairman of Limerick's South Board in the 50's and 60's.
He was presented with a medal by GAA president Christy Conney last April to mark his retirement as Ard Comhairle (Central Council) delegate for Limerick. He had close to 35 years' service on Central Council and was acknowledged as one of the country's top rule-book experts.
During his lengthy administrative service he served on many of the GAA's central sub-committees, as well as the GAA's Management Committee, and he was also the long-time chairman of the Munster Players Injury Scheme up until 1996.
He was a Limerick football selector for 25 years as well as Munster selector and, in his role as a Central Council delegate (before team coaches were appointed) he managed the 1980 All Stars on their tour to America.
A minute's silence was observed last Sunday at the Limerick GAA annual convention at the GAA complex in Kilmallock, where prayers were offered for the late Mr O Riain. He passed away late on New Year's Day in the care of the Beech lodge nursing home in bruree.
Editor of the Limerick Leader, Alan English, paid tribute Mr O Riain, who was the dedicated notes correspondent for Galbally for nearly half a century.
"Paddy Ryan provided a great notes service for the Limerick Leader and the people of Galbally over a remarkably long period," said Mr English. "His weekly reports over close to 50 years covered every facet of Galbally life and I very enjoyed meeting PJ when I became editor and hearing about his long association with the paper. We offer our sincere sympathy to his family at this sad time." His funeral mass took place in Galbally Church this Wednesday.
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader 8/1/11 Tweet
