‘No matter where we go in future, Ma, we’ll never forget you’: Ex-Limerick hurler's beautiful tribute at mum's funeral
There wasn’t a dry eye in St Joseph’s Church, Knocklong following Donie Ryan's moving eulogy
DONIE Ryan always wore his heart on the sleeves of the Limerick and Garryspillane GAA jerseys, making his mother proud on the fields of play from TUS Gaelic Grounds to Croke Park but never as much as he did in St Joseph’s Church, Knocklong on Monday.
Donie delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral Mass for his mother Esther Ryan (née Walsh) that had the packed congregation crying and laughing in equal measure.
Esther, of Ballincroona, Knocklong and formerly Carraturk, Ballylanders, passed away peacefully last Thursday, after a short illness, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Brothers TJ and David, who also hurled for the Bouncers and Limerick - with TJ going on to manage both his county and club - presented the symbols of her life and did the reflections. Donie gave the eulogy at the end of the funeral Mass.
He had scrunched up sheets of paper in his hands but he didn’t need them as he spoke beautifully from the heart.
Donie, who farms at home, said he never foresaw a day without his mother, describing it as “a beautiful partnership, a special connection, a bond, and endless love that was so true”.
“I played in a lot of teams, Ma, but this was the best team that I was ever involved in. Any job or challenge could be taken on. You devoted your life to me, Ma, to help my progression on the farm, and the calf house will be so different now,” said Donie, as he fought back tears.
He said a young fella by the name of Dan Ryan brought her to Ballincroona and for the next 55 years a journey developed that was “a rollercoaster ride where she twisted and turned everyone she ever met with her drive, energy, desire, work rate and constant love where she created so many memories for us”.
“That's what makes it so difficult for us to let her go. Mam had a great marriage to Dan. They were the best of friends, they did everything together - ye loved, ye worked, ye laughed, ye danced, ye romanced. Ye built a special home for us. Dad was the breadwinner, while Mam was the breadmaker. Dad went to work but Mam done the work!” said Donie with his tongue in his cheek. The mourners smiled and couldn't conceal their laughter.
He said he and his siblings - Martina, TJ, David, Jackie - didn't tell her everything but they didn't have to because she knew it before it actually happened.
“Her life was beautiful and it was made easy by her outgoing nature. Home was a special place for her and the centre of the world - her family, her kitchen, her farm, her faith, her cows, her calves, her dancing, her dogs, cats, hens, calves, jigsaws,” said Donie, who recalled that 320 bags of tea were used in one day such was Esther’s welcoming nature.
“She loved to talk and a great trait she had was she loved to listen.”
Donie said they were given hurleys and sliotars from when they could walk and played games at home.
“Ma was team manager, selector, she done the warm up, referee, team doctor, physio, stats, and, of course, the most important of all, she was our dietitian. From a very early age she drove us around the country to keep us hurling and thankfully we got to repay her with all three representing Limerick at different stages.
“But it was the black and amber she relished most. We played every grade up along with Ma by our side. Da and Ma won the lotto and went to the moon on Sunday, October 16, 2005.” That was the day Garryspillane won their first senior county final.
Donie said if there is a tiered system in heaven Esther will take her place in the corporate box.
He thanked family, friends, neighbours, doctor and nurses, saying the compassion and care they gave Esther is a credit to the Health Service of Ireland.
Donie said a light went out in Ballincroona on February 27 that can never be switched back on.
“Mother, you gave us your all. You went above and beyond on many occasions. You were our shining light throughout our lives. If we can be as ambitious, energetic, with that love for living as you had, then our lives are definitely miles better for having the greatest mother, grandmother, guardian, friend that anyone could ever imagine.
“You cherished life. You fought death to the bitter end. You went out on your own terms. And no matter where we go in the future, Ma, we will never forget you. Your suffering is done, and ours is just beginning. But the memories we have as a family will stand the test of time.”
Done finished with a song, in fine voice he sang A Mother's Love is a Blessing. There wasn’t a dry eye in the church as the congregation rose as one to applaud Donie and the beautiful picture of Esther he painted with his words.
May she rest in peace.