Frank Ryan

How long does it take for an obituary to appear in a newspaper? For Frank Ryan of Spanish Civil War fame, the answer is several months. In March 1845 as the second world war drew to a close, Ryan’s death was reported in Irish newspapers having occurred more than eight months previously in war time Germany. Ryan is best remembered for leading the Irish brigade in the Spanish Civil War on the Popular Front side, fighting for the Comintern-organised International Brigades (known as the Connolly Column).

The Leitrim Observer reported his death as follows:

DEATH OF MR. FRANK RYAN

News that Mr Frank Ryan well-known figure in the Irish Republican movement, and a former editor of "An Phoblacht," died in Germany in June last, has reached Dublin.  

A native of Co. Limerick, Mr. Ryan took part in the Irish War of Independence and was active on the Republican , side in the Civil War. After his release from interment he graduated from TCD. He was, for some time-"Phoblacht"- editor, later becoming secretary of the Republican Congress movement. In 1936, he went to Spain and fought with the International Brigade. After being captured by Gen Franco's forces he was  sentenced to death in 1937, the sentence being commuted to 30 years imprisonment. In 1940 it was reported that he had been released by the Spanish authorities.

Mr Ryan was released from Arbour Hill in March 1932, when the general release of political prisoners took place by direction of the first Fianna  Fail Government.

His death is said to have taken place at a sanatorium at Dresden….

For more information search the pages of the Irish Newspaper Archive (www.irishnewsarchive.com )