A first-class soldier: Longford mourns death of cool, calm and collected John Ryan

The death occurred, peacefully, on Tuesday, July 16 of John Ryan, Connolly Crescent, Longford Town, Longford. 

The late John was predeceased by his beloved wife Angela and by his grandchildren Lauren and Ryan.

He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, daughters Linda Keegan (Ardagh), Jennifer Donlon (Ballymahon) and Jacinta Farrell (Kenagh), sons John (Ballyleague) and Michael (Tarmonbarry), daughters-in-law Veronica and Amanda, sons-in-law P.J., Michael and James, sisters Peggy and Nora, brother Tommy, grandchildren Sean, Conor, Katie, Alison, Sarah, Jade, Tara, Lisa, Cillian, Ava and Michaela, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

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John’s army colleagues paid many tributes to him and the Peter Keenan Branch of ONET described him as ‘a dedicated member’. 

The Branch posted the following tribute: “We were saddened to hear of the passing of Squadron Sgt John Ryan, John died on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. 

“He joined the army in the Curragh in 1959, he served with the 33rd Bn in the Congo and with the 35th Bn in the same place. A young soldier at the time, he gave a good account of himself at “The Battle of the Tunnel’ in December 1961. 

“He left the army for a short while, before enlisting in time to serve a number of tours in Cyprus, including with, 3rd Infantry Group, 42nd Battalion and 19th Infantry Group. 

“A first-class soldier, John was always cool, calm and collected, when under pressure. He travelled to Longford with the 4th Motor Squadron in 1972, he was promoted to Squadron Sgt in 1978 and left the army in 1981. Soon after he enlisted in Security Troop with the 17th Infantry Battalion. 

“For the last number of years, he was a dedicated member of the Peter Keenan Branch of ONET. Angela, his beloved wife, died a few years ago and John’s health was poor over the last number of months. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, relatives, and many friends. Rest in peace old friend.” 

The late John Ryan lay in repose at Glennon’s Funeral Home, Ballinalee Road on Sunday, July 21. Mass of The Resurrection took place on Monday, July 22 in St Mel’s Cathedral followed by interment afterwards in Ballymacormack Cemetery. 

May he rest in peace.