Dermot Ryan

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Dermot J. Ryan (June 26, 1924 - Feb 21, 1985) was the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin from 1972 until 1984. He was ordained a priest on May 28, 1950 and consecrated Bishop on Feb 13, 1972.

Dermot J. Ryan
Senior posting

Denomination	Roman Catholic
See	Dublin
Title	Archbishop of Dublin
Period in office	1972 — 1984
Predecessor	John Charles McQuaid
Successor	Kevin McNamara
Religious career
Priestly ordination	28 May 1950
Previous bishoprics	None
Previous post	Bishop
Personal
Date of birth	26 June 1924
Place of birth	Dublin

Dr Dermot Ryan was Professor of Oriental Languages at University College Dublin before his appointment by Pope Paul VI as Archbishop of Dublin in late 1971. He was ordained by his predecessor in the See of Dublin, Dr John Charles McQuaid, in February 1972. At the time of his appointment he was seen as a liberal and a reformer in the Church. Dr John Charles McQuaid previously had Ryan removed from teaching in the seminary in Dublin, for teaching liberation theology.

During his term he consolidated much of the expansion of the Archdiocese which had taken place during the term of his predecessor. He also oversaw the fuller implementation of the reforms of Vatican II. He was particularly interested in Liturgical reform and encouraged more and more Catholics in Dublin to receive Communion at Mass each day or week. A very approachable personality, he brought the Office of Archbishop to the people and encouraged Lay involvement in parish and diocesan life.

Archbishop Ryan also took a strong stand on social issues, including poverty, family life and pro-life questions. On the Pro Life issue he strongly promoted an Amendment to the Irish Constitution in 1983 giving rights to the life of the unborn.

He was the Archbishop who gave the people of Dublin a public park on a site earmarked by his predecessors for the proposed cathedral and it was named "Archbishop Ryan Park", in his honour. The land, at Merrion Square, was a gift from the Archbishop to the city of Dublin. He also served as Pro-Prefect of Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples from 8 April 1984 until his death, in Rome following a heart attack at the age of 60.