Comhbhrón

CLG Tulach Sheasta extends sympathy to the Ryan (Lacken) family on the recent death in New York of Fr Patrick Ryan, whose father’s name is memorialised in Páirc Chuimhneacháin Pádraig Uí Riain (Lacken Park). From Knockfune, Newport, Paddy Ryan (1898 – 1944) was one of the best known ‘freedom fighters’ in the Tipperary/Limerick area during the War of Independence/Civil War. He was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1923, but he did not serve in this capacity. He emigrated to the USA in 1929 and became a successful business man. After his death a Memorial Committee was set up representative of a broad spectrum of interests locally, nationally and in the USA and they proposed dedicating the newly-acquired GAA field in Newport to the memory of Paddy Ryan (Lacken). The field was formally opened on 21st May 1950 and the imposing entrance stands relatively unchanged to this day as a lasting tribute to one of Newport’s famous sons. The venue generally referred to as simply “Lacken Park” is known far and wide and has hosted many of the country’s top players and teams.