PRESS RELEASE
13 October 2003
Most Rev. Laurence Ryan, RIP
Statement of Most Rev. Seán Brady, DCL
Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland
Issued by the Catholic Communications Office on behalf of
Most Rev. Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland
Fr Larry Ryan was a post-graduate student in St. Patrick’s College Maynooth
when I went there first in 1957. During the 1970s we were delegates together
to the National Conference of Priests of Ireland.
Over the past nine years I came to know him well as a brother Bishop in the
Irish Bishops’ Conference. He was for many years President of the Justice
and Peace Commission and a member of the Standing Committee of the Conference.
Bishop Ryan was a strong and courageous advocate of justice and a constant
defender of human rights, especially the rights of the weak and the poor.
When in recent years illness brought about his early retirement, the people
of Kildare and Leighlin lost a kindly Shepherd, and the Bishops, a highly
esteemed and trusted colleague.
I offer my sympathy to all who mourn Bishop Larry, especially to his sister,
brothers, Bishop Moriarty, and the priests, religious and lay people of the
diocese.
May he rest in peace.
+Seán Brady
Archbishop of Armagh and
Primate of All-Ireland
Ends
13 October 2003
Further information:
Catholic Communications Office: 01 505 3000
Ms Brenda Drumm 087 233 7797
