All at Comhairle Laighean are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the tragic passing of our former colleague Lester Ryan. Lester worked with us in Games Development for almost 30 years serving the province with distinction. Following on from a successful playing career with his beloved Kilkenny, Lester joined us in 1991 and began spreading his passion for Gaelic Games through coaching. He worked tirelessly during this time in particular helping drive the organisation of Natioanl Féile Competitions and An Poc Fada.

Cathaoirleach Comhairle Laighean Pat Teehan paid tribute to Lester saying “We at Leinster are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Lester. He served Games Development in the Province with distinction for almost 30 years and undoubtably left an ineffable mark on this area. We feel the loss most for his family and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife and children”

Also paying tribute to Lester was long serving colleague and current Runaí Comhairle Laighean Michael Reynolds “To say we are all shocked to learn of Lester’s sudden passing is an understatement. Lester as a work colleague brought a passion for our Games that was infectious. During his time with us he introduced many new ideas to our Games Development Department that remain in place to this day. While we are all hurting, our thoughts and prayers go in particular to his wife Christine, and his four children Conor, Joseph, Niamh and Eimear. Ar deis Dé go raibh a anam.”