Death of Noel Ryan

The large turnout last Saturday at Bohernabreena cemetery in Dublin for the funeral of republican Noel Ryan, who died of cancer on 20 August, was but a small indication of the high esteem in which he was held.

Speaking at the graveside, Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe said "Noel Ryan is a man I am proud to describe as having being my friend. For me he was the quintessential Dubliner, a Liberties boy, proud of his origins, he loved this city, its people and their unique sense of humour and fun."

Noel Ryan was an Irish republican who cared passionately about what was happening in his country. He joined the Republican Movement in the late '70s and became, like many, increasingly more and more active after the death of Bobby Sands and his comrades who died on Hunger strike in 1981.

Noel was active in all aspects of the republican struggle on both sides of Britain's imposed border. His politics were inclusive and very much centred around empowering people. A militant republican, he saw no contradiction in the primacy of politics in the republican struggle. As an active republican, he was extremely proud of what he considered was his small part in advancing the cause of Irish freedom.

He was very much a role model for young republicans - tireless in his commitment to getting the work done and not afraid to take the initiative. He detested spoofers and wasn't behind the door in using his sharp tongue and caustic wit with those he believed weren't pulling their weight or who were putting in a halfhearted effort.

"You might have what could be delicately described as an exchange of words, but a half hour later it would be forgotten and he would be laughing and joking, the argument finished," recalled Seán Crowe. "There was no bitterness in Noel; it was simply a matter of getting back to the real work and moving on.

"The substantial new growth of Sinn Fein in this constituency can be directly attributed to his active involvement. When Sinn Féin quadrupled the vote in 1997 Noel was centrally involved. When Mark Daly and myself got elected to South Dublin County Council in 1999 he again played a leadership role.

"And last year in the general election, although not in good health and complaining of backaches, probably the early signs of the advancing cancer, he again rallied and mustered an organisation and a vote that was the envy of every political party in this state."

Noel was a Gael who loved the language, the national games and particularly the skill of hurling. He played soccer when he was younger and hurled for Rialto Gaels for many years.

A mentor and active member of Thomas Davis, his unfailing support, advice and encouragement given long before and even throughout his illness will be remembered and appreciated by senior and junior players and members of his club.

Noel was a working man, a plumber by trade. He was, quite literally, the type of person who would, and did, climb out of his bed to help a neighbour or someone in his community with a crisis.

Noel was a family man. He was extremely proud of his three children and their achievements. Himself and Stella were childhood sweethearts and it was quite evident that they, right up until the end, are and were very much in love.

He suffered from depression, yet he was this larger than life character. He had great empathy with people, especially for anyone suffering or in pain.

His strength of character and resilience amazed the hospice doctors and nurses and all those who were treating him. Although seriously ill and in constant pain, Noel was in the middle of it all, cheering people up and having the craic.

And - still with all the legitimate and growing concern surrounding the Irish Health Service, Noel and his family have had nothing but praise for the hard working staff, both doctors and nurses who treated him throughout his illness.

"It was rare to see Noel without a group of old and new friends," said Seán Crowe. "He really loved being in company, and that's how I will remember him. In the middle of some argument maybe, having the craic, and enjoying life to the full.

"As we lay him here to rest let us remember the life of Noel Ryan, a man aged 49 who packed a couple of lifetimes into those short years.

"Noel's legacy is his loving family, his work for his community and his country. Yes, his parting has touched us all - but we have also been enriched."

To his wife Stella, sons Nollaig, David and Thomas, his mother Rita, his brothers and sisters, his family in law, nieces and nephews, his many friends and all who took time to call to see him over his long months of illness, deepest sympathies are extended.

I measc laochra na nGael a raibh sé.