Ryan, Harry
January 21, 2006
Death of Popular Councillor Shocks Community
An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern, TD, and Ireland's EU Commissioner Mr Charlie McCreevy, led a litany of lavish tributes to the late Fianna Fail Councillor Harry Ryan whose sudden death, at his home in Galboola, Littleton, stunned the local community and caused widespread shock.
Described by his lifelong friends, former Government Minister, and North Tipperary TD Mr Michael Smith as "a unique man" who devoted his life to the service of people, the late Harry Ryan was a revered figure on all sides of the political divide, not only in County Tipperary, but, nationally. Proof of his popularity all over the country was witnessed in the massive outpouring of sympathy, almost unparalleled in modern times, as thousands of people attended the funeral ceremonies last weekend to pay their respects to the deceased and his family.
The hugely popular Ryan family, the community of his beloved Littleton, and the parish of Moycarkey-Borris are struggling this week to come to terms with the loss of a man they loved and admired so deeply. Shock waves reverberated through the parish, and much further afield, when news emerged that harry had died suddenly at the age of fifty nine years. Hearts sunk in sadness as news of his passing filtered through the community, and the awful finality that he had separated this life struck many like a thunderbolt.
Deserved tributes continue to pour in to the Ryan household in Galboola to a man whose dedication to public service, and his tenacity when fighting on the side of his constituents had been truly an inspiration to everyone in public life. At the time of his death Harry held the position of Deputy Mayor of North Tipperary County Council, having served as Chairperson of the authority in the past. A man of true community spirit, Harry was a highly popular member of the North Tipperary County Council since he first joined in 1979, and such was his outstanding success as a public representative he was elected to almost all sub-committees of the council, as well as North Tipperary Vocational Education Committee (VEC).
Thoroughly dedicated to every task he undertook as a public representative, he brought the same energy and zeal to his high ranking involvement in the Fianna Fail party, and in many community organisations, particularly the GAA, an Association he loves with a passion. A former Chairperson of Mid Tipperary Board, Harry worked unsparingly in the promotion of the games, and apart from a lifelong involvement in the affairs of his club Moycarkey-Borris, he served Tipperary GAA Board with dedication and loyalty. At the time of his death he was a member of the County Board Executive.
Known the length and breadth of Ireland, Harry Ryan was held in high esteem in all sectors of society, particularly among the agricultural community with whom he had close links through is work with Dovea AI. A loyal hard-working colleague, he will be sadly missed by the management and staff of Dovea.
On entering politics in the seventies, Harry Ryan's ambition was to serve the public with utter conviction, and this he did far beyond the call of duty as an elected member of the local authority. He loved Littleton, and the parish of Moycarkey-Borris, and was extremely proud of many local achievements. He supported parish activities with enthusiasm at every opportunity, and helped so many people from all walks of life. His community loved him as reflected in the warmth of the many tributes paid by sporting, community, and social organisations at the funeral ceremonies. Renowned for his generosity and good nature, Harry was a close friend to many and it spoke volumes for his popularity across the political divide, and throughout County Tipperary and further afield, that thousands of mourners converged on Littleton to pay their respects to a great friend.
Shortly after the news of his passing broke, mourners started to converge on the family home in Galboola to pay their respects, and the village of Littleton almost came to a standstill in Friday evening as hundreds filed past the remains of deceased reposing at Moycarkey-Borris paid him an eloquent tribute, as did members of local civil defence, stewards, community groups and Gardai, who facilitated the large crowds. The crowds swelled even further as the remains of the deceased were removed to St Kevin's Church in Littleton. The cortege was led by members of Sean Treacy Pipe Band, Moycarkey-Borris, and the coffin was flanked by members of the Fianna Fail party, representatives of the very many clubs and organisations in the parish, as well as fellow Councillor's and work colleagues. Among the attendance was Minister of Finance, Mr Brian Cowen as well as many TDs and Senators, and Councillor's from all sides of the political divide, as well as high ranking officials of many sporting and community bodies. The Church overflowed for the ceremony.
The congregation at con-celebrated Requiem Mass on Saturdays also overflowed as hundreds paid their tributes at a special ceremony in memory of the late Harry. The icy cold breeze that permeated the air around Moycarkey could not deflect from the warmth of the tribute paid by the hundreds of mourners as Harry's remains arrived at St Peter's cemetery in the afternoon. Fianna Fail party officials and members of local organisations again formed a guard of honour, and members of Sean Treacy Pipe Band performed a fitting musical tribute.
And as the deserved tributes continued to pour into the parish, Deputy Smith provided a most eloquent and fitting graveside oration in memory of his great friend. In the course of an emotional tribute, laced with humourous and fitting tales relating to Harry, a larger than life character, Deputy Smith said the late Cllr Ryan was not a head line-seeker, but was a unique man, who over a life tragically cut short, was a dedicated public servant in it's truest sense. "He was a man of ability, sincerity, and integrity, and was recognised on all sides of the political divide for his work, kindness, and courtesy" Mr Smith said. The Roscrea based Deputy said that he poplularity enjoyed by his great friend was best illustrated by the picture of politicians, who were diametrically opposed to Cllr Ryan's political views, "openly shedding tears" on learning of his shock departure from this life. "He was truly a friend to everybody, if he could he did a turn for you regardless of your political affiliation, a fact reflected on in the huge cross-party support he enjoyed. He was a gentle giant who never put anybody down, a colourful character, but, above all a man loyal to his beliefs , his family, his community and his friends" Deputy Smith said. He added - It's the nature of politics that some of us politicians cannot walk ten yards without meeting a political enemy. Harry could walk from here to Waterford, and back up to the shores of Lough Derg without encountering one, he was that kind of a man.
Among the huge attendance at the funeral ceremonies were MEP Mr Brian Crowley, and leading members of all political parties. HArry Ryan who was pre-deceased by his Parents Ellie and Tommy, had left a legacy of wonderful memories of his all too short life. May he enjoy his deserved reward in heaven. To his brothers Seamus, Thomas and willie, Sister-in-law Margaret, nephew Colm, nieces Elaine and Maguerite, grandnephew Liam, relatives and many friends we tender ....sympathy.
Courtesy of The Tipperary Star
21 January 2006
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