‘A piece of Nenagh has been taken away’

Nenagh is mourning the loss of another true character of the town following the passing last week of Michael ‘Rabbit’ Ryan.

Michael was a very popular figure around the town from his work as a fuel delivery man and publican, his passionate support of Nenagh Éire Óg and Nenagh AFC, and as a singer and musician who loved to entertain his audience.

He took on the running of his father John Ryan’s solid fuel merchant business, which dated back to 1956. John came to Nenagh from Kilruane to open his premises at Kickham St on the site where Nenagh Credit Union is now.

Michael moved the business to the Dublin Road in 1994. He ran it with Liam Spain of Nenagh for 21 years, and was a familiar sight going around supplying coal, turf, gas and other fuels all over Nenagh and to Toomevara, Moneygall, Silvermines, Dolla, Cloughjordan and elsewhere in the area.

He closed the business in 2015, Michael stating at the time that the arrival of other fuel suppliers in the market, and householders changing their home heating options, meant it was no longer viable for him to continue with what was a largely seasonal trade.

But a new chapter began then when he took on the running of a pub, Reddans – The 44 – on Pearse St, which Michael successfully ran for many years afterward.

GENTLEMAN AND TRULY GREAT CHARACTER

Reddans Bar was among those leaving tributes on Facebook following news of Rabbit’s death on Monday, August 19. “It is with great sadness that we heard the news of the passing of Michael (Rabbit) Ryan this morning,” the post read.

“As you all know, Michael was the previous proprietor of The 44, a gentleman and a truly great character, who will be missed by many.”

Also among those posting tributes and extending condolences to Michael’s family was Nenagh Éire Óg. “Rabbit, as he was known to us all, was a lifelong member and diehard supporter of Nenagh Éire Óg. From attending the games to being part and parcel of the post-match analysis/celebrations/postmortems, Rabbit's quick wit and great sense of humour and fun will never be forgotten, and he will be sadly missed by all in Nenagh Éire Óg.”

Nenagh AFC, for whom Michael was a goalkeeper during his playing days, joined in the tributes to Rabbit, saying he was “a great supporter and benefactor of Nenagh AFC and Brickfields over the years”.

Among the local business community leaving tributes on rip.ie were fellow publicans Joe, Rita and Katie Ryan of The Whiskey Still, Dromineer. “He fought a great battle to the end with a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He will be missed by family and a wide mix of friends from every parish in North Tipp and beyond. The bed of Heaven to him.”

LABOUR LEADER PAYS TRIBUTE

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik, whose late stepfather Jerry Quinlan came from Nenagh, also paid tribute. “We have such fond memories of his wonderful eulogy at the funeral of our dear Jerry Quinlan back in 2019,” she wrote. “Thinking of you all at this sad time and sending condolences and best wishes.”

Nenagh councillor Séamie Morris posted a Facebook tribute, in which he stated Michael ‘Rabbit’ Ryan “was put on this Earth to entertain us and by God did he entertain us all, particularly after his beloved Nenagh Éire Óg bowed out of yet another championship - not before telling the managers where they went wrong. I can honestly say he was unique,” Cllr Morris wrote.

“He will be an awful loss to us here in Nenagh. My sympathies to his wife Una, his family and to all who loved him. A piece of Nenagh has been taken away.”

Michael, of Brookville Green and formerly of Summerhill, Nenagh, died peacefully at Milford Care Centre, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents John and Ann, and his nephew Pearse O'Brien. He was much loved and willbe sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Una (née Hickey), his sister Chris and Matt O'Brien, brother Denis and Amanda, nieces and nephews Katie, Roisín, Leona, Adrian, Dearbhla and Mikey; aunts Olive Kenny and Nonie Lowry, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Funeral Mass took place at St Mary of the Rosary Church on Friday, followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium. Una and the Ryan family would like to acknowledge the excellent care and attention that Michael received from the wonderful staff of Milford Care Centre, the staff of St James's Hospital, Dublin, the Oncology Unit and medical wards of University Hospital Limerick, and his GP Dr Paul O'Farrell and his staff.