Geraldine Ryan -O’Shea R.I.P.
Geraldine Ryan-O’Shea, ADRG sadly passed away after a prolonged battle in hospital aged 93 years.
She was a great character and made major contributions to Irish dancing in so many parts of Australia and through her dancing group which performed in so many countries throughout Europe, Korea, Russia, Japan etc.
She had been teaching Irish dancing in Australia for close to eighty years.
In 1952 she travelled to Ireland, as the first from North America/Australasia to study the most recent developments in Irish dancing in Ireland and qualified as first TCRG from outside of Ireland/England.
On her return she introduced the concept of the light reel in the pumps.
Geraldine was a TCRG, and ADCRG and acted as an examiner on early CLRG exams in Australia and was Vice President of CLRG for some years.
Recently she was honoured by receiving the highly prestigious Australia Day Award granted by Queen Elizabeth II and bestowed on Geraldine at a special ceremony in Canberra at the residence of the Queens Representative - the Governor General of Australia.
Geraldine is survived by her son Paddy (Patrick) and daughter, Geraldine Jn, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was truly a great friend and as the Irish saying goes “The likes of her will not be seen again “
sadly missed — your old friend John Cullinane.
CLRG extends its deepest sympathies to her son Paddy and daughter Geraldine Jn on the loss of their mother, a highly regarded member of the organisation.
The funeral is Friday 8th December 2023 St Scholastics Catholic Church in Bennettswood:
10.30am Rosary, 10.50am Funeral.