RTE tribute to Gerry Ryan unveiled

Morah Ryan and her five children were present for the ceremony but had requested that it be kept "private and low key".

Designed by family friend and artist Patrick O'Reilly using the input of the Ryan clan, the memorial bearing the words, "Gerry... The Ryan line is open," was erected outside RTE's Radio Centre.

Presenter Gerry (53) worked there for over 30 years before his sudden death in 2010.

In a statement, the national broadcaster said: "Gerry Ryan was, and still is, very much a big part of RTÉ Radio, and it was felt that the bronze tile is a fitting way for his colleagues to remember him each day on their way to and from work.

"How fitting that the words 'Gerry' and 'The Ryan Line is Open' are significant and strong enough for people to know exactly who they refer to immediately."

It added how Gerry joined the national broadcaster as a DJ in 1979 and started the Gerry Ryan Show in March 1988, a programme which became "ground-breaking Irish radio."

"The loss of Gerry, to this day, is still huge to Irish radio, RTÉ, Gerry's colleagues, his friends and most importantly to his family," it continued.

His eldest daughter, Lottie, is now following in his footsteps, having worked with RTE for the past two years and landing her own early morning programme at the weekends earlier this year.

The memorial was laid down on Thursday evening. On Friday morning, the radio staff who worked with Gerry gathered to mark the occasion in their own way.

LOSS

Among those who referenced the tribute were Ryan Tubridy's show, former Ryan Line reporter Evelyn O'Rourke, 2fm's Paddy McKenna and former RTE radio presenter Baz Ashmawy. The statement added: "If you say his name, it makes me miss him or feel a sense of loss. Amazing to have that over people."

hnews@herald.ie