P.J. Ryan who passed away last week was a man who played a pivotal role in the development of Bennettsbridge from the seventies onwards. A proud Wexford man he hailed from Barrystown, Wellington Bridge. Following his marriage to the former, Ann O’Brien, Kilkenny, the couple made their home in Bennettsbridge and raised three daughters. A real family man he took great pride in all their achievements. Ann and P.J. would have been 56 years married in August. The family bungalow was in Ballyreddin beside Woodlawn Estate. They later moved to Barronsland. P.J. worked for thirty years in the Meteorological Service in Kilkenny.
He was an active member of the Bennettsbridge Community Council and was involved in a number of projects including the provision of a tennis and basketball court which ran successful tournaments in the eighties. P.J. worked tirelessly with other local volunteers when the Woodlawn houses were built, clearing mountains of clay and rubble, preparing the ground for the beautiful green lawns that exist in Woodlawn today. Trees were sown and most have survived. He played a major part in Tidy Towns activities, taking on the task of looking after all the machinery. The large ornamental flower bowls dotted around the village were made by P.J. who obtained the mould from an Inistioge man.
Another parish event which benefited from his boundless energy was the Bennettsbridge Festival and when Festival time came round he was in the thick of it helping to set up the various stands and stalls. He was a founder member of the Penny Bank which had a very successful run and was a popular way for locals to save for Christmas.
In recent times his woodturning skills came to the fore and he enjoyed creating beautiful pieces for all occasions. One such piece was presented at the Offertory Procession during his funeral mass. He was a member of the South East Chapter of Irish Woodturners and Bennettsbridge Hall was the venue for their monthly get togethers. A fun piece, “a round tuit” is a favourite with people. It is worth recording that a cherry tree which came down in Woodlawn during a storm lives on in three wooden cherry bowls turned by P.J. and presented to some of his Tidy Town colleagues.
A keen fisherman, he was a prominent member of the Fishing Club and liked nothing better in his “spare time” than a walk on the riverbank with his dog. He was also an active member of the Gun Club.
P.J. lay in repose in Johnston’s Funeral Home where many friends, neighbours and work colleagues called to pay their final respects and to support his family. Following funeral prayers the remains were removed to St Bennett’s Church where Fr Pat Duggan officiated. The large attendance included former work colleagues from the Met Office in Kilkenny and was an indication of the esteem in which he was held in the community.
Requiem Mass was celebrated by Canon Pat Duggan who welcomed the large attendance to the celebration of P.J’s life. In his homily, Fr Duggan described him as a friend and great neighbour who would do a good turn for anyone. He attended mass regularly and supported all parish activities. He offered sympathy to the family on their sad loss.
The lessons were read by, Paula Rogers (sister-in-law) Hugh Coffey (son-in-law).
Prayers of Faithful: Helen (daughter) Kevina Ryan (niece) Marian Treacy (niece).
Offertory Gifts, narrated by Joe (P.J’s grandson). Siobhán (daughter) brought up P.J’s pipe. Helen (daughter) brought up a piece of P.J’s wood turning. Water and Wine, Jim Treacy, Aileen Kennedy (sister-in-law).
Music was by James Rice on piano accompanied by singer Trish Carroll – James incorporated a beautiful instrumental version of “A thing called love” by Johnny Cash– PJ’s favourite – into the ceremony. P.J.’s daughter, Louise spoke on behalf of the family sharing some memories and a reflection.
P.J. passed away peacefully on 17th March 2025, surrounded by his family, in the wonderful care of the staff at Kilkenny Care Centre, Newpark. Beloved husband of Ann and devoted dad to Helen, Louise and Siobhán. Cherished granddad to Thomas, Joe and Eoin. P.J. will be dearly missed by his heartbroken family, brother Dick, son-in-law Hugh, Louise’s partner Joe, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
Members of the South East Woodturners Guild formed a Guard of Honour outside St Bennett’s Church as the cortege made its way to the adjoinng cemetery.
The community of Bennettsbridge is all the poorer for his passing.
Rest in peace P.J.
