A large crowd is attending the funeral of RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan in Clontarf, Dublin, this morning.
The funeral Mass, celebrated by Fr Michael Collins, is taking place at the Church of St John the Baptist on Clontarf Road. It began at 11.30am. Inside, Cantor Dermod McCarthy told the congregation to join in the singing with the Dublin Gospel Choir, adding: "Gerry would want it. He would want the roof to be raised".
President Mary McAleese is among the mourners at the service, which is being attended by more than 300 people. Hundreds of people have also gathered outside the church to listen to the service, many with flags and banners displaying messages for the late broadcaster. Friends and colleagues of the RTÉ broadcaster queued since 10am to get into the church. Barriers have been put in place on both sides of the road, and gardaí are directing traffic.
The church is where Ryan was married and where his mother’s funeral was held three years ago. It accommodates only 300 people.
Among the first to arrive this morning were sisters Gráinne and Síle Seoige, members of Westlife, broadcasters Larry Gogan and Hector Ó Eochagáin, and designer John Rocha. Minister for Health Mary Harney and husband Brian Geoghegan, former director general of RTÉ Bob Collins, and actor Joe Taylor are also at the church.
Ryan (53) was found dead by his partner Melanie Verwoerd in his apartment on Leeson Street in Dublin last Friday afternoon. His body lay in repose at his family home in Clontarf yesterday where a private wake was held for friends and family.
Loudspeakers have been set up in the grounds of the church, and the funeral can be heard on 2fm. It is also being shown via webcam on both the parish and RTÉ websites. Buses this morning transported RTÉ staff from Montrose and Ballsbridge to Clontarf.
The Ryan family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, well-wishers should make a donation to their personal charity of choice.
The burial, which is private, takes place at Dardistown Cemetery in Cloghran.
About 10,000 people have signed books of condolence set up in memory of Ryan at the Mansion House and RTÉ headquarters since his death.
The Irish Times
