Tributes pour in for Gentleman Jim

TribuTes have been pouring in following the death of former independent counsellor Jim ryan who passed away peacefully in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital on sunday.

Jim, from Fr. Murray Park, was well known locally in both the sporting and political fronts having played, managed and served as chairman for his beloved Clan Na Gael GAA team as well as serving his community with distinction on both the Dundalk Town Council and Louth County County Council.

Jim was first elected to Dundalk Town Council in 1999 and remained there until Dundalk Town Council was abolished in 2014. He also served on Louth County Council from 2004 and served two terms.

Former independent counsellor Martin bellew worked alongside Jim on Dundalk Town Council and described him as an ‘absolute gentleman’

“i was very fond of Jim and i used to collect him for Dundalk Town council meetings. He was definitely one of nature’s true gentlemen and he was always very straight with everybody he met. if he believed in a cause he would fight tooth and nail to get it done and everything he did he did for the people of his area that he represented,” stated Martin.

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Conor Keelan also paid tribute to Jim describing him as a ‘strong advocate of his constituents’.

“i had the privilege of serving alongside Jim in the council and he was also a very close friend of my Dad’s who served alongside him also. He was always a strong advocate for his constituents and a very interesting man to have on the local authority. i send my condolences to all of his family and friends,” stated Conor.

Fianna Fáil councillor sean Kelly also paid tribute to Jim calling him ‘an absolute gentleman to his fingertips’

“Sad news filtering through with the passing of Jim. He served our area with distinction for 15 years on both Dundalk Town Council and Louth County Council. Jim was always on call and his dedicated and passionate approach to helping local people and communities was second to none. Jim the most of it in terms of tourism now”.

Meanwhile, Louth County Council Director of services Thomas Mcevoy said the reach and impact of President biden’s visit to Co Louth has shown “phenomenal numbers”.

“if you look at some of the mentions online, Dundalk was mentioned 2,300 times, that is approximately a 100-fold increase,” he said.

“The number of mentions and reach was significant. The visit went very well. in Google Maps over 4,000 individuals searched for Carlingford Castle.

“it gives a sense of the interest in President biden’s visit to the county and we hope some of it will result in visits to Louth.”

He added: “We also know that 80 per cent of the reach was international and the majority of that was from the united states.”

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The late Jim Ryan.

“Thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anne, sons John and stephen and daughter Carol. He was tragically predeceased by his daughter Vanessa.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” said sean.

Jim who celebrated his 80th birthday two years ago was also remembered by Clan Na Gael GAA club who paid tribute to their Honorary Chairman.

“A Chara,

The death has occurred of Clan Na Gael Honorary President Mr.Jim ryan. Jim held more or less every position in the club. Chairman - Football Manager and everything in between.

A brilliant person and an absolute gentleman who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

“Thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anne, sons John and (Club Physio) stephen and daughter Carol. He was predeceased by his daughter Vanessa.

To his granddaughters Ayda and isabella Houssaye who are current club players.

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