Fr Seamus was an extremely popular figure during his 26 years in parish

SAD news this week with the passing of former Ballyfermot priest Fr Seamus Ryan – an extremely popular figure in the area during his 26 years as a parish priest in St Matthews Church.

Fr Seamus, who was aged in his 80s, died on Saturday in his native Limerick.

Fr Seamus studied in Westphalia, Germany in 1963, under his mentor Professor Joseph Razinger.

Razinger would go on to become Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.

Speaking to The Echo in 2014, Fr Seamus recalled two “most wonderful years” at the University of Munster, and that it was a “joy” listening to Razinger’s poetry readings.

A prominent hurling centre back, Fr Seamus won a Munster senior hurling championship with his brother Fr Liam Ryan in 1955 – the pair emulating their father Willie Ryan, who won an All-Ireland medal in 1918 for Limerick.

In April 2016, a farewell mass was held in Ballyfermot for Fr Seamus, St Matthews packed to the rafters as the community came out in force to show their appreciation for a “special man” who was first appointed as PP to the parish in 1990.

He did not officially retire but went back to help out at his native Cappamore where he assisted Fr Dick Browne, parish priest.

Tributes have poured in from far and wide, including loads from Ballyfermot and Palmerstown, as people expressed their admiration for a man who left a lasting legacy.

Cllr Vincent Jackson (Ind), expressed “deepest condolence and sympathy” of the passing “from all the people of Ballyfermot, Cherry Orchard and indeed Palmerstown”.

“He was a wonderful witness. True gospel values he welcomed. His legacy here in St Matthews is our beautifully refurbished church and the building of the parish centre, his name is always spoken about in a positive context a very learned man who always had his feet firmly on the ground,” said Cllr Jackson.

“Fr Seamus you will always hold beautiful memories for me from the saddest to the happiest occasions of life you walked that journey with my family and myself.”

St Louise’s Primary School, Ballyfermot fondly remembered Fr Seamus for his “enthusiasm, energy, understanding and sincerity”.

“He had an unwavering belief in the goodness and potential of every person regardless of their age,” said the school.

Fr Adrian Egan, CSsR, PP Assumption Ballyfermot, said Fr Seamus will be remembered with “great love, gratitude and affection” by the parish

“His charisma extended beyond any boundaries,” said Fr Egan.