Family Of Alan Ryan Unapologetic For His Republicanism

The family of former Real IRA leader Alan Ryan say they are unapologetic about his dissident activities and that his funeral was “a fitting tribute to the best ideals of republicanism”.

In a statement sent to RTÉ’s Prime Time last night, Ryan’s family described him as “an active Irish republican” who was “proud to be known as such and we are proud of him for being one”.

32-year-old Ryan was shot at Grange Lodge Avenue in Clongriffin, Dublin, close to his home on Monday last week just before 3.30pm.

The families statement was also critical of gardaí who they said “stood casually by” while photographers took pictures of Ryan lying on the ground at the scene of the shooting.

Adding that they had made a formal complaint to the Garda Commissioner and to those media organisations that published the pictures.

“Alan’s murder must be fully investigated and those responsible brought to justice,” they said.

Meanwhile, one of the two mean with Ryan when he was shot has said the attack was rapid and well planned.

22-year-old Paul Stewart told RTÉ’s Liveline that the gunman had opened fire indiscriminately and that both he and Mr Neilis, the second man with them that day who was wounded in the leg, were lucky to be alive.

“I think what it shows is the gunman had no concern for anyone who was a bystander,” he said. “He was out to just kill whoever he could as well as killing Alan . . . for the anti-drugs stance he had taken in the community.”

It is believed that Ryan was actively involved in extorting money from drugs gangs and gardaí believe it was his clashes with these groups that could have led to his death, the Irish Times reported.

(H)