A billion thanks for capsizing drug smugglers
Among the many successful operations Commander Eugene Ryan was involved in, two in particular resulted in the seizure of €1.2 billion of cocaine.
The Navy turned out in force at its Haulbowline base with a standing-down parade to mark the end of an illustrious career which saw him take charge of four ships and travel 250,000 nautical miles before moving to land-based senior duties.
Cmdr Ryan, who was born and bred in Cobh, spent 24 years at sea, during which time he commanded the LÉ Grainne, LÉ Aoife, LÉ Emer and LÉ Eithne.
For two years from 1992, Cmdr Ryan served overseas in the Middle East with UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) in Lebanon and Jerusalem. After that he took up shore-based appointments which included Staff Officer Naval Headquarters, Commander Fleet Operations and Officer Commanding Logistics.
While ashore, he was instrumental in putting together the operational guidelines for the Joint Task Force between the Naval Service, An Garda Siochána and Irish Customs and worked extensively with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre Narcotics, which is based in Lisbon.
Commodore Mark Mellett, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service, said Cmdr Ryan had given distinguished service to the defence forces and navy.
“He played a pivotal role in the development and sustainment of national and regional structures to counter drugs importation and transhipment into Ireland and Europe. As one of the most popular officers in the Naval Service he is respected by all ranks,” the navy’s most senior officer said.
Cmdr Ryan said he would miss the comradeship the Navy had to offer. “I will particularly miss working with some of the finest NCOs of any defence forces in the world. It’s belonging to the organisation that you’d miss,” he said.
Cmdr Ryan recently received an award from Environment Minister Phil Hogan for the many rescue operations he had been involved with over the years.
A number of dignitaries at yesterday’s event including former Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and former Assistant Commissioner Eddie Rock. Also present was Barry Galvin, who founded the Criminal Assets Bureau, and Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Quilter, who was heavily involved in investigations into the country’s two biggest drug seizures.
The Navy’s loss will be rugby’s gain. Cmdr Ryan, an avid Cobh Pirates fan who played at scrum-half during his younger years, qualified as a rugby referee in 1984. He spent the next 17 years refereeing, until 2001 when he qualified as a referee assessor. “I qualified as a citing commissioner with the IRFU in 2005 and I will be working more closely on that from now on,” Cmdr Ryan said.
He will have more time on his hands to dedicate to his wife Deirdre, children Eoghan and Éadaoín and granddaughter Holly.
