While their origins are enshrouded in myth and legend, there is nothing mythical about the exploits down through the centuries of proud bearers of the surname of Ryan.
• One of the original native Irish clans, they suffered dearly in the cause of their ancient rights and proved stalwart defenders of their freedom and independence, often in the face of overwhelming power and aggression.
• In more peaceful times but taking war as his subject, Cornelius Ryan was the Dublin-born journalist and author whose popular books on military history include The Longest Day, about the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944 and A Bridge Too Far, concerning the airborne assault on the Netherlands before the battle of Arnhem.
