Ryan resigns from Tipperary County Council

A young Fine Gael councillor in north Tipperary has resigned from Tipperary County Council despite a highly promising start to what has now turned out to be a very short political career.

Peter Ryan, who represented Ireland in the 2016 Paralympic Games, managed to win a seat on the 40-member council in his first attempt in the Local Elections in 2019.

Cllr Ryan, who competed in the Tandem Cycling Time Trial and the Road Race as a paralympian, was elected on the fifth count in the Thurles Municipal Area and was viewed in political circles as a great find for Fine Gael in Tipperary.

However, he issued a statement last Monday announcing his departure as a public representative. “I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role in Tipperary County Council. I have today written to the local authority to inform them of my decision to resign as a councillor,” said Ryan, who as a youngster was a promising minor hurler with Tipperary but had to quit the game after he suffered the effects of Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy that caused the deterioration of his eyesight, which led him to instead pursue the new sport of tandem cycling at which he excelled.

In his statement, Cllr Ryan said: “Due to a change in circumstances, I am no longer able to commit the time which meeting the demands of the position entails.

“For this reason, I believe it is better to allow someone else take over and give this position the time and dedication it requires. Being a county councillor has been complex and demanding, but it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.

“It is something I will always be grateful for and remember with pride. It has been a privilege to work as a public representative on behalf of my constituents. I will now take time to decide where my future career is.

“I want to thank all the Fine Gael members, Tipperary County Council staff, my council colleagues, and everyone who has placed their trust and support in me during this period since my election to the local authority in 2019.

“I also wish to profoundly thank my family, friends, neighbours and all who put their faith in me and for the support I have received on numerous occasions since my 2019 election. I am eternally grateful.

“I want to wish all the best to my colleagues in the chamber and to the executives who have been working incredibly hard during these challenging times.

“I will continue to assist the people of Tipperary and ensure the projects I have started are seen through to fruition.”

Ryan (31), who won several National titles in tandem cycling, is a strong advocate for the disability sector.