'Huge legacy,' tributes paid to trailblazing and much-loved Tipperary nun

A Mercy Nun described as a “trailblazer” was laid to rest on Monday, January 15 in St Michael’s Cemetery, Tipperary Town.

A native of Offaly, Sr Mairead Ryan, was known particularly for her former role as Regional Development Officer with the Cashel & Emly Youth Service (now Youth Work Ireland Tipperary), which began its formative years in the late 1970s/early 1980s.

Sr Mairead secured funding for the Cashel and Emly Youth Service as part of the National Youth Federation. Not alone was she a great mentor to the many club leaders who came through the service but she became a friend also, a friendship that would last throughout the years.

She enabled young people to grow and develop, and provided them with the tools to actively contribute to their parishes and clubs.

Her contribution to youth and community work was immense and was not confined to the region but extended throughout the country.

Sr Mairead’s impact was not alone felt with young people throughout the region but also extended to Templemore where many recall her generous commitment to the Social Services, in which she pioneered a new apostolate with energy and vitality, and in Drangan also where she founded the Ladies Club.

Up until her health deteriorated Sr Mairead resided at the Sisters of Mercy house at Knockanrawley, Tipperary Town.

While living there she immersed herself into the local community through involvement in some of the groups attached to the nearby Knockanrawley Resource Centre and was also a founder member of the Tipperary Town Active Retirement Association.

She had a great sense of humour and liked nothing better than to participate in any event or to dress up if required.

Sr Mairead was a very spiritual person and involved herself in different groups that promoted prayer and the environment.

She also did wonderful work for the less privileged in our society and she did so without any fuss and in a nice quiet and discreet manner.

She has left a huge legacy for all those who have followed in her footsteps.

The esteem in which she was held was evidenced by the large attendance at her reposal in the Convent Church and at her Funeral Mass and burial in St Michael’s Cemetery. Deepest sympathy to her sister Joan (USA), her mercy communities in Tipperary and South Central Province, nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

WRITTEN BY MARTIN QUINN