Ray to lead guild of agri journalists
A Duhallow journalist who, in his 55-year career, reported on everything from papal to presidential visits will now turn his hand at being president of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists.
It really is a role from agricultural heaven for Ray Ryan, who hails from “the Cork quarter of Ballydesmond” but who now calls Mallow home.
He recently took his chain of office for his three year role from the outgoing President Sam Butler of Belfast.
Mr Ryan held the role of Agricultural correspondent with The Irish Examiner which he took up in 1988 until he retired seven years ago after a 48 year career.
However, with typical humour, Mr Ryan was very quick to point out that he never retired as he is still freelancing for The Irish Examiner and is very much up to date with all matters agricultural.
“I have not been idle and have been kept going. I really enjoy it and have a great interest in anything agricultural. I’m really looking forward to my new role,” said Ray
Indeed, cub reporters are known to draw on his expertise as well as his good humour when deadlines loom and the pressure begins to mount.
“It is a great honour to be chosen for this role as it is an all Island guild – north and south. There will be functions, lectures and seminars on all matters agricultural,” he told The Corkman.
There are two major events in the guilds calendar, the first is the annual lecture in memory of Michael Dillon, who was the guild’s first president. Then every two years, the Agricultural Journalism awards are held.
Ray’s wife is Maura who he married in 1975. They have a son, Dr Raymond Ryan, who works as a researcher in the History Department at UCC.
Mr Ryan’s first foray into print was as a local notes writer for The Kerryman – at 10s a week – before he was asked in 1962 to serve as cub reporter under Editor Con Casey and News Editor Seamus McConville in the Kerryman’s Tralee newsroom. After 18 months learning his trade, he was sent out “into the wilds” and it is safe to say that Mr Ryan has been on the road ever since.