Byrne: Inquest ‘double blow’ to Ryan family

BROADCASTER Gay Byrne, a friend of the late Gerry Ryan, has described news of the inquest as a double blow for the presenter’s family.

Reacting to evidence given at the coroner’s inquiry into the RTÉ star’s death yesterday, the veteran television anchor and radio host said colleagues were still mourning his loss.

Byrne’s comments came as sources within the national broadcaster confirmed Ryan had been reminded by management in the months leading up to his death about his entitlement to sick leave.