24th October 1931 – 2nd March 2022

Many of you will be saddened to hear of the death of Fr. Harry Ryan on 2nd March 2022. He was 90 years of age. Fr. Ryan was ordained to the priesthood on 5th June 1955 in Kilkenny, Ireland. He came to the UK in September of that year and has faithfully served the people of the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle for over 60 years.
Fr. Ryan was appointed Priest-in-Charge of St. Joseph’s, Newton Aycliffe, in August 1973. This was before the Chapel was built so he celebrated Mass every day in St. Joseph’s School Hall. Weddings and funerals still took place in St. Mary’s Church. Fr. Ryan lived a few doors away in Garburn Place in a Corporation house. At that time, the Southerne Club in Honister Place was in its heyday. It had been set up as the local Catholic Club and Fr. Ryan met many of his parishioners at social functions held in the Southerne Club.
In January 1980 the Bishop appointed Fr. Ryan Parish Priest of St. Mary’s, Newton Aycliffe, a position he held until September 1992. Fr. Ryan happily served the people of Newton Aycliffe and made many friends during his time here, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He was well known for his great sense of humour and he had definitely kissed the ‘Blarney Stone’ when it came to the Irish craic!
Fr. Ryan was a great sportsman having played Hurling in his younger days in Ireland. He was also a talented Golfer having won trophies for his skills over the years. He wasn’t a bad squash player either as those of you who have played him will know! Fr. Ryan also enjoyed watching football having a great interest in how the North East teams were doing, especially Sunderland where a fellow Irishman, Charlie Hurley played in the 50s and 60s.
For the last few years Fr. Ryan has lived in retirement at Holy Family, Darlington. His body will be received into Holy Family Church at 6.00pm on Thursday 17th March (the Feast of St. Patrick) and Mass will be celebrated there.
On Friday, 18th March at 12 noon, Bishop Robert Byrne will celebrate Requiem Mass for Fr. Ryan in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, North Road, Darlington. Mass will be followed by cremation.
May he rest in peace.