Portrait of iconic Wexford politician who was a founding member of Fianna Fail given to county archives

Members of the Ryan family deposited a portrait of the late Dr James Ryan into the care of the Wexford County Archive at Wexford Library. Dr James Ryan was a Wexford-born revolutionary, cabinet minister, and founding member of Fianna Fáil, serving as a member of the first Dáil. He became prominent as the GPO medical officer during the 1916 Rising and later played a central role in the independence struggle with his wife, Máirín Cregan. After the Civil War, he helped found Fianna Fáil and became a close ally of Éamon de Valera. The portrait, painted by James Sleator, was commissioned in 1943 to mark the 25th anniversary of Ryan’s 1918 election to Dáil Éireann. Wexford County Council and local representatives emphasized preserving shared history and properly honoring Ryan in his home county.

"Members of the Ryan family formally deposited a portrait of the late Dr James Ryan into the care of the Wexford County Archive at Wexford Library on Wednesday. Dr James Ryan was a Wexford-born revolutionary, cabinet minister and founding member of Fianna Fáil who was a member of the first Dáil. Despite being widely tipped for the top job, never sought to become Taoiseach."

"Ryan, of the renowned Ryan's of Tomcoole, Taghmon, first came to national prominence as the GPO's medical officer during the 1916 Rising, and went on to play a central role in the struggle for independence alongside his wife, Máirín Cregan. After the Civil War, Ryan emerged as a founding member of Fianna Fáil, and quickly became one of Éamon de Valera's closest allies."

"Accepting the portrait from Helen O'Riain, James Ryan's granddaughter, with the handover facilitated by his grandson Jim. An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Joe Sullivan commented that the painting "will ensure that the legacy of the veteran statesman will be permanently commemorated and celebrated.""

"The painting by Irish artist, James Sleator, was commissioned in late 1943 by Dr James Ryan's friends and comrades in Co. Wexford to mark the 25th anniversary of Ryan's election to Dáil Éireann in the 1918 General Election. Back in April, following the publication of a book entitled James Ryan and the Development of Independent Ireland, 1892-1970 by Dr Michael Loughman, Councillor Lisa McDonald has said it was time James Ryan was properly honoured in his home county, with a statue."

Read at Irish Independent