The late James Ryan Quiet and gentle are words that seem to be used repeatedly to describe James Ryan, writes Colm Warde. "He was a real mild, quiet little boy," said Hannie Reale, the Ryan's neighbour who knew James his entire life. James was heavily involved in sport. He played tennis with Hospital Lawn Tennis Club and competed in several tournaments around Limerick. He also played both hurling and football with Hospital - Herbertstown GAA club. Although his preference was for hurling, he helped to take the club's U21 footballers to the county final. It was in the pursuit of this love of sport that the accident happened that ended James life. He was travelling with Seamus and Naomi to watch the Willis Buckley memorial soccer tournament which was taking place in Kilballyowen Bruff. Ironically, the tournament was in honour of a young man from the locality who had died in tragic circumstances a few years ago. The three were travelling to see Herbertstown playing Knockainey in the competition when the fatal accident occurred. According to Hannie, James was always good with his hands, and his decision to pursue an apprenticeship in plumbing allowed him to use that gift. He had just been accepted for an apprenticeship. "He was looking forward to it," says Hannie. "He had brilliant hands, he could do anything with his hands," she said. James will be sorely missed by his family and neighbours," says Hannie. "He will be a big loss to us all," she says. James who was eighteen is survived by his parents, DJ and Anne, and his sister Deirdre. Limerick 31 July 2003 Tweet

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