Galway Bay fm newsroom - One of the best known and most influential members of Galway's business community - Breda Ryan - has died.
Her involvement with Anthony Ryan's Shop Street and the Ardilaun Hotel began with her husband Paddy Ryan, who died in 2004, and later with their family.
A native of Navan in County Meath, Breda Fitzsimons married Paddy Ryan in 1953, and in 1962, she and Paddy, who was then Mayor of Galway, welcomed US President John F Kennedy to the city.
Breda Ryan was a founding member and first President of BPW Galway in 1986, the Business and Professional Women's club.
She was a tireless supporter of local charities and a popular figure in Galway's social scene, right up until her recent illness.
Breda, who was in her late 80's, is survived by her children Margaret, Deirdre, Anthony, Patrick, Elizabeth and John, her grandchildren and a wide circle of family and friends.
