Claremen and the First World War Exhibition

Ryan, Thomas, Private, 2nd Bn, Royal Munster Fusiliers

Killed in Action: 19th May, 1916, Age 17,

Exhibits: British War Medal, British Victory Medal, box for same and original ribbons, Identity disc, Memorial plaque.

Private Thomas Ryan from Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare was a member of the 2nd battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers. He was just 17 years old when he was killed in action on 19th May, 1916. His death occurred on a quiet part of the line and he may have been randomly killed during the day-to-day exchanges which characterised trench warfare.
He was the cousin of Private John Cunneen, also of 2nd battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers, who had been killed at Etreux on 27th August, 1914. He is also featured in this exhibition.