RIP: 'A great priest and a great man,' tributes to much-loved Tipperary priest

The death has occurred of Very Rev Canon Tom Ryan, AP, of Murroe-Boher Parish, county Limerick, and formerly of Shanbally, Rearcross, county Tipperary.

Fr Tom passed away on January 29, 2026, peacefully, in the care of the staff at Nenagh Hospital.

He was predeceased by his brothers Br. Owen, PJ, Martin, Joe and Fr John.

Fr Tom is deeply regretted by his loving family, sister Mary Quigley (Moneygall), brother-in-law Martin, sister-in-law Margaret, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, priests and religious in the Cashel and Emly Diocese, staff and residents of St Anthony’s Nursing Home, cousins, relatives, parishioners and a large circle of friends.

Fr Tom reposed in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Murroe, on Saturday, January 31 from 3pm until 7pm.

Requiem Mass took place on Sunday, February 1 at 2pm, followed by burial afterwards in Abington Cemetery.

Fr Tom's family have extended their sincere appreciation to the staff at St Anthony's, Pallasgreen for their exceptional care and support.

Family flowers only, with donations if desired to St Vincent de Paul, Murroe Branch.

People have been posting tributes to the much-loved priest on rip.ie:

Condolences to all of Fr Tom's family on the sad loss of such a great priest & man. Rest in Peace Fr Tom.

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Deepest sympathy to all Fr Tom’s family on his death. He was well loved and respected- a man of the people. May he rest in eternal peace

Deep sympathy to the Ryan and Quigley families.

Fr Tom was a wonderful kind, caring, person and served the parish of Murroe/Boher with exemplary faith for almost 30 years. Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a anam uasal, dilis.

Marian, Anthony Neville and family.

Sincere condolences to Margaret and all the Ryan family on the sad passing of Cannon Tom Ryan he was just like his brothers that went before him a joy to meet and chat with May they all rest in eternal peace.

Condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Fr. Tom. He was always a lovely man in his many years in our parish and community. May he rest in peace.

My sincere sympathy to the Quigley and Ryan families on the sad passing of our dear Fr Tom

He was a wonderful priest so kind and compassionate

May your gentle soul Fr Tom now rest in everlasting peace

Sincere condolences to Fr. Toms family and friends on his sad passing. Fr. Tom you were a very kind compassionate and caring priest. May God grant you his coziest bed in heaven.

Deepest sympathy to Mary,Martin and the extended Ryan and Quigley families on the passing of Cannon Tom. He was a cousin of my father, Andrew Corbett and he married John and I 53 years ago.

Fr Tom was always a joy to meet down through the years. May his gentle soul rest in peace