Athlone Mayor leads tributes to 'absolute gentleman' Noel Ryan

Athlone's Mayor, Cllr Frankie Keena, has paid tribute to "absolute gentleman" Noel Ryan who died following a drowning accident in Malta on Tuesday.

The death of the 78-year-old has been met with widespread shock and great sadness in Athlone, where he ran the Noel Ryan clothes shop on Mardyke Street for almost 50 years until his retirement in 2014.

"I was filled with deep shock and sadness when I heard the news last of the tragic death of Noel Ryan," said Cllr Keena.

"Noel was an absolute gentleman, a marvellous character and always loved to chat about times pass and current events in Athlone.

"He had a fantastic personality, loved a bit of bantering, and knew everybody.

"Ryan's drapery shop was a great destination for over 60 plus years, where people went to buy clothing and I always recall my late mother bringing me in to get measured for communion, confirmation and school uniforms.

"Noel took over the business from his parents and was always so popular with his customers."

The Athlone Mayor added that Noel's tragic passing had shocked everyone, both young and old, throughout Athlone.

"As Mayor of Athlone and on my own behalf, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Noel's wife Deirdre, family and wide circle of friends. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace," Cllr Keena concluded.

'Full of Life'

Local OPW Minister, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said Athlone was in mourning for one of its "great sons", noting his deep shock and sadness when the news emerged from Malta.

"My heart goes out to Noel's wife Deirdre and family at this time. The people of Athlone are deeply saddened by the news and no doubt will come together in support of the Ryan family during this time," Minister Moran said.

The Minister said that Noel was "full of life" and always took time out for a chat whenever they met.

"He was a great friend of mine and I always enjoyed being in his company. I don't think there is a person in Athlone who didn't buy clothes from his shop when he was in business," Minister Moran added.

The Minister said that he had been in attendance at two funerals in town and "Noel's passing was the main topic of conversation" at both such was his popularity.

"To go on holidays and for this to happen is simply terrible. His death has effected so many people in Athlone. Noel was a gentle giant and Athlone has lost one of its finest's sons," the Minister said.

Chamber of Commerce Pay Tribute

Regina Bushell, President, Athlone Chamber of Commerce, said it was with "deep sadness" that she heard of the untimely death of Noel, stating that it was a "privilege" to have known him.

"On behalf of the Athlone Chamber of Commerce board and members, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his wife Deirdre and his daughters, Aoife and Sinead.

"It is with deep sadness that I learned of the sudden passing of Noel while on holiday with his family. I had the privilege of knowing Noel well as I grew up in Griffith Street just down the hill from Ryan's clothes shop. I also knew him through Buccaneers Rugby Club," Ms Bushell said.

The Chamber President said that Noel was never shy to share his opinions on various topics, both local and global.

"His retail business was a respected fixture in Athlone where shopping often turned into an experience filled with interesting information and much laughter. He will be deeply missed. May Noel rest in peace," Ms Bushell added.