19th Battalion’s 95 Year Old Bill Ryan At The Raising Of The Flag Ceremony In Cobh

Son-in-law Alfie, daughter Kathleen,  Veteran, Bill Ryan and son Tom at the Raising of The Flags ceremony in Cobh – Photo -Donal O’Leary

Attending the Raising of The Flags ceremony in Cobh’s Promeade on 11th July was Mr Bill Ryan from Ballyphehane, Cork, who was accompanied on the day by his son Tom, daughter Kathleen, son-in-law Alfie and daughter-in-law Noreen.

A frequent visitor to Cobh, Bill who is 95 years old joined the army in 1940 and served in the 19th Battalion where he spent time at Belmont Huts and Rockgrove Little Island among other posts. He has fond memories of his time in Cobh and the many friends he made there, most of whom are no longer with us.

Since his retirememt, Bill has kept very active, and told us that he travels all over Ireland to attend GAA hurling matches. He saw his first Munster Final, Cork v Tipperery in 1931. His father before him, once walked from Charllrville to Thurles to see a match. For a man who is only five years away from his centenary birthday, Bill is a true inspiration to all and we look forward to seeing him at the 2012 Raising Of  The Flags, the annual event that marks the Irish take over of the forts at Spike Island.

Article – Mary Bardsley