The late Michael Ryan The death occurred in Sunday, 25th March 2007 of the late Michael Ryan, Doon. Mike as he was better known was a man of extraordinary knowledge and determination. He held the helm determination. He held the helm at many local community organisations and had the ability to be a true leader, leading these organisations in both calm and stormy waters. His contribution to the GAA spans seven decades of service to the Doon club as a player, officer, selector and supporter and at County Board level as a delegate. He fought the cause of Cumann Luthchleas Gael as Bearla agus as Gaeilge with vigour and integrity. The results of his endeavours on behalf of Doon GAA are visible for all to see, and all generations to experience and enjoy. He enthusiastically fundraised and worked physically and mentally to ensure that the facilities for the youth of the Doon area would be par excellence. His involvement and mentoring and support of ladies GAA was honourable and his sense of fairness in battling for recognition at County Board and nationally for ladies GAA was commendable. The Chairperson of Doon GAA Hughie Egan paid tribute to Mike's service at his graveside. He had an enormous interest in politics and his contribution to the Fine Gael party was legendary. His commitment of service tot he Doon branch both as a member and Chairperson spans over sixty years. He was one of the people responsible for encouraging Councillor Connie Hanniffy to stand for Offaly County Council in 1974 and played no small part in ensuring she was elected and that the West Offaly area would have a strong voice at County level. In paying tribute to Mike for his life of service to the community Councillor Hanniffy described him as her 'brick' and spoke emotionally about his shrewd judgement, his debating skills and his sense of justice and integrity. She stated that a wealth of knowledge had left the area with his passing and his local knowledge of history and heritage was dazzling. His memory of events, dates and detail was similar to an encyclopedia. During his lifetime he serviced on the Offaly County Committee of Agriculture and on the Westmeath/Offaly Joint Drainage Board - his contributions to these bodies was charged with good counsel and integrity and was always enthusiastically received. Throughout Mike's life he was a compulsive reader and had the ability to retain the contents of all the material he read, and was no slow in quoting chapter and verse for some when needed. He is survived by his wife, Bridget (nee Turley), sons Pat-Joe (USA), Michael (Athlone), Bernie Keegan (Doon), Margaret (Kilkenny), sister Rita (New York) sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, nephews, niece and a very large circle of friends who are saddened by his passing. Courtesy of the Midland Tribune 11 April 2007 Tweet

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