The late Breda Ryan On Tuesday morning, August 8th, 2006, God called Breda Ryan, Knocknamohilly, Newtown to her eternal reward after a short illness. Breda may have been taken from this life at a relatively young age, yet she had achieved a multitude and was loved and respected by all who knew her. Breda spent much of her working life as a Bank Official at college Green, Dublin and shared a house at Fairview Strand with fellow parishioner Liz Howard. Breda and Liz held officership positions in the Tipperary Association based in Dublin, Breda as Secretary and Liz as President and together put their shoulder to the wheel in all tasks ventured. Breda was a Tipperary person at heart and gave a warm 'Cead Mile Failte' to fellow people from the premier county who came to reside or visit the capital. Breda was to divide her weekends between following the fortunes of Tipperary hurling, family visits and trips to England to attend the Shirley Price School of Aromatherapy. Healing hand and numerous qualifications in Aromatherapy and Sports Injury put her career in a different direction and she took a brave decision to turn her back on a permanent, secure and pensionable job to self-employment in the Nenagh area before the arrival of the Celtic Tiger. Bank of Ireland lost an honest and efficient employee while Burgess GAA Club gained an invaluable Masseuse. It came as no surprise that Breda's return to Knocknamohilly co-insided with silverware adorning the trophy cabinet of Burgess GAA club, as the club won back to back North Intermediate titles in 1992 and 1993 and achieved County honours in the later year. Her soothing hands healed many an aching muscle and her knowledge in sports injuries and nutrition ensured that players could perform at optimum levels. The Burgess GAA club also availed of Breda's undisputed administrative skills and she could adapt to any situation like a duck to water, serving as Registrar (1993), Assistant Secretary (1994) and Secretary (1997-97). She was a gem to work with, did her all in everything ventured and nothing was a problem to her as she had instilled from her parents a positive attitude and a knowledgeable mind. Breda gave more than she received but then out faith tells us it is in giving that we receive. Breda was a very devout Roman Catholic and a member of the Pastoral Council. A card of Best Wished or Congratulations was sent by Breda to people who were awaiting a big occasion or who had achieved an accolade. Indeed, Tipperary footballer Declan Browne framed his letter form Breda acknowledging his ALl-Star award in 1988. Breda kept her own achievements low-key and anyone who visited her home in her final days saw numerous framed certificates and diplomas. The brilliant scholar achieved top marks at a Foundation Course in Tipperary Institute and achieved first class honours in 'Women Studies' at UL. Breda was pursuing a BA degree at UL and was due to graduate in 2007, but we all know that she was a brilliant Achiever, even if we hadn't sent the greeting card to show it. A minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect for her passing at the Munster U-21 hurling final in which Tipperary defeated Cork. The large crowd that attended her funeral was testimony of the esteem in which Breda and her family are held in this community and further afield. Burgess GAA club provided a guard of honour on both days led by PAt Carroll (club Chairman) and Donie Nealon (club President). The coffin was draped in the club colours. North Board, County Board, Tipperary Association Dublin and Tipperary Supporters club were all represented at the funeral. Sympathy is tendered to her father Con (burgess GAA President), sister Kay Coyle, brother-in-law Kieran, nephews Lorcan and Enda, niece Ciara, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and her many friends. She brought light and happiness to many. RIP Bridget Delaney Courtesy of The Tipperary Star 02/09/2006 Tweet

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