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Gerry Ryan Obituary
He was 53. The cause of death was not disclosed. Ryan had been living alone since he separated in 2008 from his wife Morah, with whom he had five children, aged 10 to 24.
Since 1988 Ryan, a Dublin pioneer of pirate radio who had an early reputation as a "shock jock," has hosted a three-hour morning radio show on national broadcasters RTE called simply The Gerry Ryan Show. It features live phone-ins, interviews and political satire.
He also fronted myriad RTE television talk shows and celebrity interviews — his Irish name recognition underscored by program titles such as "Ryantown," ''Gerry Ryan Tonight," ''Gerry Ryan's Hitlist" and "Ryan Confidential" — and was known for his outspokenness and coarse humor.
After police discovered Ryan's body Friday, his radio station RTE2 broke off its usual programing to play nonstop music for more than an hour as grief-stricken station employees absorbed the news.
Tributes poured in from all corners of Ireland's political and entertainment communities, led by Prime Minister Brian Cowen, who lauded Ryan as "one of the greats of modern Irish broadcasting."
"As a broadcaster, Gerry Ryan was both informed and intelligent, forthright and articulate," Cowen said. "As a man, he was generous, famously irreverent and witty."
The managing director of RTE Radio, Claire Duignan, said Ryan had gone home from work Thursday night complaining of feeling ill and not intending to come to work Friday.
"When he spoke with people to say he wouldn't be in today, they obviously expressed concern and asked: Did he need a doctor or anything like that?" Duignan said. "But he said no, he was fine, but he wouldn't be in today."
Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
162 Entries
Andrew Ford
August 19, 2010
I only found out today that Gerry Ryan had passed away. I have not been in Ireland since last December so it came as a complete shock to read it in todays paper. I actually thought that he must be on holiday this week (I'm sure he would laugh at that!). Over the last three years I have been to Ireland 10 times, and have always listened to him in my car - a fantastic broadcaster & fantastic bloke. I have just finished reading a book by Tony Hawkes about his travels around Ireland lugging a FRIDGE!! Tony was interviewed many times by Jerry on his show. I wish I had met Gerry, he was only 14 days younger than me. He was an Irish national institution and ireplaceable.
Pete Smith
June 17, 2010
"I will miss you Gerry Ryan...
Michelle Pidgeon
May 16, 2010
Hi Gerry another week without you. I miss you so much just can't believe you are gone. May God Bless you. xxxx Michelle
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Geraldine Rooney
May 12, 2010
So sorry to hear about the loss of Gerry did not always get to listen to him but used to have great entertainment when he used to be on the late shows along with Beat on the Street.Sympathy to his family and friends along with his work mates.
God Take care of ye all
mary ann darwin
May 7, 2010
gerry you were the biggest gobshite in ireland and i loved you, and an your show ,i am absolutly at a loss because i knew you were there always to advise and now who do i turn to, there,s not a politican in the country worth the weight of your microphone,god be with your family and friends(do you think rte cud play your shows on repeat).....they show repeats all the time on tv. i hope they do because i cant bear the fact i might not hear you again.....please rte we want to hear the shows again..an again...god bless moragh and the children
RAY SKELTON
May 7, 2010
GERRY YOU WERE THE MINISTER FOR EVERYTHING YOU WILL BE MISSED
GOD SPEED
May 7, 2010
Gerry, you will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you rest in peace. Eamon.
May 7, 2010
All the best gerry. rest in peace.
my prayers are with your family and friends, comfort can be found in memories. they are the one thing that never leave us. will always remember the way you connected with people you never met, and they with you. hope you've gotten your reward and met all those gone before you espically your parents. god bless, home at last.
Catherine .
betty lynch
May 6, 2010
Gerry my mornings will not be the same ever again i will miss the craic and the laughs that i had with you on the radio You will be missed Rest in peace Gerry.
Avril Moloney
May 6, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carmel Ni Thailtigh
May 6, 2010
Gerry, my morning friend. I'm really going to miss your voice, laughter and fun. No morning will be the same again. My thoughts are with your wife Morah and your children and of course 2fm.
Rest in peach..Never forgotten,
Carmel Ni Thailtigh, Meath.
Barry McNulty
May 6, 2010
Goodbye and God bless. Thanks for all the years of jokes,laughs,interviews and all round entertainment. From me and them until then.................
Kathryn Mc Gauran
May 6, 2010
Lord rest your soul, Gerry, you did so much for so many.God console Morah and your five children in their terrible loss, and protect them always.God bless Melanie in her sorrow and shock too.Kathryn M, Longford.
May 6, 2010
Gerry, you were unique. There was no one ever like you, or won't be again.
May you rest in peace, and may God comfort your family and loved ones.
Mary x
May 5, 2010
Gerry i loved listening to your voice and of course your brilliant show there was something calming about it. May god bless your wife Morah and your children and family and keep them safe
God bless you now Gerry you are now partying with the Angels RIP
Delia Collins.Enniskillen
Rachel B
May 5, 2010
God Bless Gerry .R.I.P
Rachel Barry
May 5, 2010
Gerry,your going to be missed terribly!i cant believe your gone!God bless!R.I.P
Kate O'Reilly
May 5, 2010
Slan leat Gerry we will miss hearing you on the radio R.I.P xx
Maggie
May 5, 2010
You helped me through some rough times by making me laugh. I will miss your voice so much. I can't believe you are gone. I feel for Melanie and Morah at this time and for your beautiful, gorgeous children. They had a great Daddy. Rest in Peace Gerry...
AL
May 5, 2010
Rest in peace gerry, god bless your family.
May 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ryan Family in their time of grief. At times like these, drawing close to God in prayer is what will "sustain you." (Psalm 55:22) I hope this will bring the family a measure of comfort.
A Friend
(Chicago, IL)
Bríd
May 5, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
mary
May 5, 2010
Rest in peace u were wonderful
Rita
May 5, 2010
Just to send sincere sympathy to the Ryan family. I was shocked on hearing of Gerrys death. The sound of his voice has being in our homes for so many years. May God give him peace and comfort to those who mourn him the most. Rita (Leitrim Listener)
bridget
May 5, 2010
just very sorry for gerry's wife and children and the pain they have to endure. he was a great man. never met him but heard him on the radio regularly. ur in our hearts and prayers we too have lost a special dad but time will heal the pain and one day there will be light again for all of you. god bless u all.
Ann
May 5, 2010
Rest in Peace Gerry, you were one of Irelands Greatest with your great sense of humour fun and wit, i feel like I have lost a close friend,even though I never met you. sincere sympathy to your lovely family, partner, friends and all who knew and loved you in 2fm.
May 5, 2010
To the Ryan Family, we will never forget your beloved Gerry. He was so very special in all our hearts. We miss him so much but know he is now in a better place - as our baby Sophie says Gerry is having a cup of tea in heaven with Granda Miah and Granny Mary. Rest in peace Gerry. All our love the Kellehers in Cork
Tracey Head
May 5, 2010
Living in California 16 years now... I grew up listening to Gerry Ryan....I read about his passing of his via Facebook on the internet...I am very shocked and saddened ...this comes with much sympathy to his loved ones...R.I.P Gerry Ryan...
May 4, 2010
It is with great sadness I write this note, this is not somthing I do, but I would like the Family of Gerry to know that his passing is like loosing a member of my own family, He had the ability to make all his listeners feel as though they belonged and that we knew his family personally. This was a gift as was his wit and compassion. I found myself over the past few day filling up with tears which is not like me this is the effect he had on us. Gerry You Will Be Saddly Missed and Always Thought of With Fondness R.I.P. Our Friend Gerry.
Kathleen Wexford
May 4, 2010
Gerry,
I've been listening to you every day on my I-phone in my kitchen, the car, and from room to room as I'd clean the house. Sometimes I would listen to all the podcasts in one sitting and then I couldn't wait for the next weeks download, so I learned to save them for every time I'd have a cup of tea. Having grown up in Ireland and listening to you as a kid, your show was my little bit of Dublin here in New York. You cracked me up with your sense of humor and wit, and it felt as if I never left because you were always in my kitchen everyday. I was heartbroken at the news of your death and still can't believe you are not here.
God Bless you Ger. You were great, great man. Ireland has truly lost one of the best.
Rest In Peace.
Sincere Sympathy to your family and loved ones.
Dublin girl from Raheny
Long Island, New York, U.S.A
marian gallagher
May 4, 2010
God rest you Gerry Ryan from the gallagher family
Antonio
May 4, 2010
Dear Family of Gerry I am so sorry for your lost. Let me share a scripture with you at James 4:8 were it says Draw close to god and he will draw close to you.
Breeda
May 4, 2010
There are no words that convey the shock of our nation.
Rest well Gerry,
Sending heartfelt sympathy to your loving family, partner and many friends.
Bernie
May 4, 2010
My heart is very heavy without you Gerry work will never be the same again. MY thoughts are with Gerry's family and friends at this sad time. Miss you always Gerry R.I.P x
Mairead McKenna
May 4, 2010
Gerry, You have entertained me since I moved back to Ireland in 1998.I will miss that lovely voice every morning.And all the interesting interviews you did.Just the other day, you told your listeners that you were always happy to speak and listen to them, at work and even when they met you on a night out.That really sums you up.An ordinary man with a big heart.My sympathy goes to your wife and five children and also your partner.
God Bless you always. May God take care of you now. And may you be the gardian angel everyone needs.
Rest in Peace Gerry.
May 4, 2010
The voice of Ireland has become the voice of Heaven. Kevin Fitzgerald Barnhart, Missouri USA
Angel & Dove
Laura Doyle
May 4, 2010
In loveing memory of our DEAR FRIEND Gerry Ryan.
Gerry you will be sadly miss by everyone and at this sad and difficult time our hearts go out to your family relations and friends at RTE R.I.P Gerry we will always love you and we will miss you on the radio in the mornings and on the Television. God Bless you Gerry.
Patricia Mc Laughlin
May 4, 2010
R.I.P. Gerry. May God bless your family & friends at this time. (Co.Mayo, Ireland)
sarah murray
May 4, 2010
you will be sadly missed......r.i.p
marion rooney
May 4, 2010
Oh Gerry Gerry Gerry i feel a terrible emptyness inside of me. You are never going to be replaced and we dont want you to be either. I hope your happy where ever you are, love Marion, Offaly
anne cullen
May 4, 2010
gerryyou are so missed i am still in shock. i know god has you in his arms. no one can ever take your place. love to you and lovely family. anne cullen, kilmovee, co. mayo
sheila hayes
May 4, 2010
Cant believe just how sad i am. only realising how much good company he was today. he has got me through the lonliness of three babies. i miss his wit and eloquence.
Mary Cullinane
May 4, 2010
Gerry you were my saviour when I was a stay-at-home mum of 5 children and now years later you were still my "best friend" that I spent 3 hours with every morning while in the office working. Thank you so much Gerry for so many wonderful years, I am heartbroken this morning but I know the greatest loss of all is felt by Morah and their 5 children, I ask God to give them the strength and courage to get through the tough times that are ahead of them, my thoughts are with you all on these so awfully sad times, God Bless you all. REST IN PEACE GERRY.
CARMEL DUNNE
May 4, 2010
God bless you Gerry for the hours of joy that you brought to my home every morning thank you for being a friend and a listening ear to the many people who rang you over the years. Things will never be the same again. R.I.P.
Clare Murphy
May 4, 2010
Gerry you have left an empty space in the mornings for so many people. It will never be filled. Your voice was so unique. Your wit, laughter and points of views will be sorely missed by me. There was nothing better than listening to you on a Monday morning. Even the most mundane subjects were made so interesting by you.... see you on the other side..
Sharon
May 4, 2010
Gerry, my heart is broken as I sit and listen to your voice being played by 2FM, Ive never met you but felt I knew you. I pray for you , your family & your friends - Rest in Peace -
Marie De Burgo
May 3, 2010
May you rest in peace, and may God comfort your loved ones,especially your children.
Gillian Cashell
May 3, 2010
Gerry always listened to your show whether it was in my working career or me listening to you as I am rearing, my family.You be be greatly missed by me.My sympathy to your children,your wife Morah and your Partner Melaine and all those who loved you, Also to your extended family and R.T.E colleagues will miss you.R.I.P gerry
Anne donovan
May 3, 2010
Gerry you will be missed by me and my family ive listened to you since i was teenager may your light shine now in the great beyond watch over your beautiful family thanks for all the memorys over the airwaves and tv
May 3, 2010
May 03.2010.Rest in Peace.Gerry may god watch over your family. Ruth Maher Dublin.
Yvonne O' Hagan
May 3, 2010
Sad to hear this sad news. I returned to New Zealand 6 months ago and missed listening to you Gerry. You kept us Mothers at home laughing in the mornings. My thoughts are with your family. RIP
Shauna Meehan
May 3, 2010
Gerry may you rest in peace...mornings will never be the same again. xxx
carmel driver
May 3, 2010
condolences to all the ryan family i will miss you gerry as you kept me great company every morning it will be so lonley without you may you rip sadly missed.
edel parkes
May 3, 2010
gerry you will be sadly missed. our mornings will never be the same. i always told my kids that if they heard gerry on the radio they were late for school. they dont even know who you are but they know you are part of the house in the mornings. rest in peace and may your family find strength in these difficult days.
Paula
May 3, 2010
Gerry you were a lifeline for me and all your other listeners and you brought fun to my mornings through your radio show and for that I thank you. May you have peace. May God watch over your family and friends. Paula, Galway
May 3, 2010
May 03 2010 "You will be missed so much for you good humour, fun and laughter from your radio show.You started my day and put a spring in my step. My thoughts are with your loved ones
Maureen Connolly Dublin
mary foley
May 3, 2010
will miss your voice.You brought Ireland closer to those of us that live outside her.Thanks for everything.
Mary Kavanagh
May 3, 2010
A bright and burning candle has been put out in Ireland. Here was a man who befriended the country and make us laugh shout and gave us hope. Our days will be that bit sadder now without hearing his booming voice over the radio. His family have lost their best friend. Gerry you came into a lot of peoples hearts and you made a difference. For this I thank you. May you rest in peace now. God bless.
Bo Zuloaga
May 3, 2010
Heaven has another angel :) God Bless You
May 3, 2010
Heaven has another angel :) God Bless You
Ron Dailey
May 3, 2010
The Book of Wisdom 3:1-9
The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
And no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
And their passing away was thought an affliction
And their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are at peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
Yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
Because God tried them
And found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
And as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
And shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples
And the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
And the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
And his care is with his elect. Rest in Peace My Irish Brother. Ron Dailey Penn Yan, New York
Trish Keane Nugent
May 3, 2010
Gone but not forgotten..Will miss you on the radio every morning. You were a gas man. Always made me laugh. -Trish Keane Nugent. ( Terenure )
May 3, 2010
To all of the Ryan Family, The voice of Ireland is now the voice of Heaven. Kevin Fitzgerald Barnhart, Missouri USA
Maria Hehir
May 3, 2010
My deepest sympathy to all the Ryan Family and his friends in RTE he will be missed R.I.P. ~ Maria, Galway
mary
May 3, 2010
RIP gerry such sad news
May 3, 2010
Gerry Ryan will be missed very much, but know that there is someone who is always available to hear your distressing feelings and circumstances. God gives us the peace of mind needed to live each day accordingly.---Philippians 4:6,7.
Gerry Dumigan
May 3, 2010
Whenever I would come home to Ireland on vacation I would always tune in to Gerrys show on my drive down to Cork From Shannon,he always made that trip so enjoyable. he was the best . my deepest sympathy to all the Ryan Family and his family in RTE. he will be missed by all of his faithful fans. Coming home will not be the same without Gerry.
C Coleman
May 3, 2010
Gerry,you're attributes were and will always be intangiable,may the angels make heaven a warmer&entertaining place especially for you.You may be gone,but you'll never be replaced
C.Coleman-Galway
Ms Bea
May 2, 2010
Please accept my sympathy in the loss of your loved one. There is a way out death by means of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior; trust in the promise from God. Acts 17:31
linda aherne
May 2, 2010
will miss your voice,your anger sometimes,your wonderful laugh, but most of all your love and hugs for people who needed it . safe home gerry
Martina Mc Mahon
May 2, 2010
Gerry you always knew what to say to your listeners when they were going through a time of loss or sadness...today we as a nation have lost a great friend who will never be replaced and missed and talked about for years to come. Rest in peace Gerry and may the sod of Dardistown graveyard rest lightly on you..
Gemma Murphy
May 2, 2010
heavens gain is our loss rip Gerry.....Gw
May 2, 2010
heavens gain is our loss rip Gerry.....Gw
Conchi ortiz
May 2, 2010
Gerry Ryan,a great voice a great man.love your shows my boyfriend and i are so sad for your sudden death.you will be miss and never forgotten .our deppest condolences to your family and friends.RIP Gerry your Spanish fan Conchi Ortiz and Ray
Lorraine MacDonnell
May 2, 2010
Gerry, thank you for being my light in the morning. I have listened to you for 20 years and feel I have grown up with you. I am heartbroken that I will not have your beautful voice in my life anymore. If I feel this sad I can only imagine how your family and friends feel. God Bless my friend and may you watch over your 5 children from up above. X
Sheila Dunne
May 2, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 2, 2010
Gerry you were part of my life in Ireland I left Ireland in 1992; you were so uplifting I never missed a morning listening to you thanks for the memories. Marie Hallissey South Carolina
Marie Hallissey
May 2, 2010
Gerry you were part of my life in Ireland. I left Ireland in 1992; you were so uplifting with your cheerful voice and sound advice. I never missed a morning listening to you, thanks for the memories. Marie Hallissey South Carolina
Angelique Leano
May 2, 2010
RIP Gerry Ryan you are a sadly missed. I left Ireland 14 years ago but have always tuned into the Ryan Line. In San Francisco for ten years and Las Vegas the last four. You have been an inspiration to everyone. Deepest sympathies to your family. I cant begin to imagine what they are going thru. God Bless you and them.
Niamh Malone
May 2, 2010
I will miss listening to your show every morning on the way to college gerry, I will never forget you
Rest in Peace
Paul Mc B
May 2, 2010
" Gerry Ryan will be sadly missed by all. Especially those closest to him. His dear family and and close Friends. May he rest in peace"
elaine harrold
May 2, 2010
Gerry R.I.P. 2fm will never be the same with out you in the mornings I learned alot fom your talk show deepest sympathy to all ur family and co workers Elaine harrold (limerick)
Sandra
May 2, 2010
Gerry you touched so many lives daily and you will be sadly missed by us all. When I moved to Australia I missed your show so much I used to download your podcasts so I could keep in touch with Ireland. It is poor Morah and the kids that I wish to send strength and courage to at this sad sad time. Bless them xx
m smith
May 2, 2010
i keep thinking this has to be a dream that u.. gerry. are gone i will miss ur wisdom ur humor and the fact that u spoke ur mind no matter what.to his family that he adored have peace that god must have needed him more that us. and thank god that u were here to brighting our day...the smith family.midlands
Henryk Zaleski
May 2, 2010
Rest in the green eternal heaven surrounded by peace.
Liam Finn
May 2, 2010
May 01, 2010 "My deepest sympathy to Gerry's Family. May he rest in peace and may he see the lights of heaven and hear the music of the angels."
Deborah Morris
May 2, 2010
Rest in peace in the arms of the angels.
Caroline Jahn
May 1, 2010
Such a shock and a tragedy that someone so full of fun and energy could have his life taken so prematurely. Ireland's media will never fill the void. My thoughts and prayers are for his family and those who were closest to him. RIP Gerry Ryan
May 1, 2010
To the family of Gerry Ryan, our deepest sympathy for your terrible loss. We will remember Gerry for the time he spent listening to us and trying to help us find Noel from westport who went missing in Holland in November 2009. Gerry was so attentive and genuine in our plea to find Noel. You will never be forgotten by the Gill family. Thanks for all your help, we will miss you always. Best radio presenter of our time. May Gerry rest in peace. God bless you Gerry. The Gill family.
Shona Li
May 1, 2010
P.S heres a candle!
Shona Li
May 1, 2010
Ill miss your voice now that I know i cant hear it when I want I too took you for granted but this has come as quite a shock for us all...You made me laugh sometimes and stop and think on other occasions, really wish Id thought to be up early enough and to think to listen to your show in more recent days...sending loads of good energy to your family and friends, Goodbye Sir
Rebekah Carroll
May 1, 2010
Gerry,I have listened to you every day 3hrs a week for for the last 20 yrs, I will miss you voice, your wisdom and your humour.
Aileen
May 1, 2010
Gerry, You Listened, You understood and You Advised..... Love & Miss You, Always & Forever...... XXX
mary kelly
May 1, 2010
Gerry, i took it for granted you would always be there on the radio,you will be missed so much,i cant see any body that will fill your shoes,
God bless your family.
May 1, 2010
will miss our daily date Gerry.
the mornings won't be the same any more
mary mcaloon
May 1, 2010
will miss our daily date Gerry.
the mornings won't be the same any more
Eileen Larkin
May 1, 2010
I will miss you terribly my friend. My days wont be the same without you.
Lots of Love
Eileen Larkin
Len Galvin
May 1, 2010
Gerry, you were a witty, jovial and intelligent host. You will be sadly missed by everyone. Our loss,Heaven's gain.RIP
Len,Mayo
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