Minister Seán Haughey statement on death of Gerry Ryan

Local Dublin North Central TD, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey TD has expressed his shock and sadness at the sudden passing of Gerry Ryan.

“Gerry attended St. Paul’s College in Raheny and was part of the Haughey boys’ circle of friends. It was on weekend visits to our Abbeville home that I got to know him first as the forceful personality he was. Even at this early stage he had a great sense of fun and was somewhat irreverent, features which undoubtedly led to his popularity as a broadcaster.”

“In time he would bring his skills to quickly make his morning radio programme an outstanding success. He was one of a cluster of new young broadcasters who helped to establish 2FM as a force for a new generation. Exhibiting a simple and uncanny ability to connect with his listeners, his death has provoked an outpouring of grief among many of them reflecting the personalised impact he had as a national broadcaster”.

“Gerry was highly intelligent and was very independent in his views, no more so than when it came to politics. He was never content to simply follow the consensus”.

“His passing brings great sadness for all who knew him. At this time my thoughts, and those of my siblings will be with Morah, with his five children, and with his own brothers following their great loss”.