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Brid Hannify, Sheila Ryle, Billy Ryle, Senator Martin Conway and County Librarian Tommy O’Connor at the launch of Billy Ryle’s book at Tralee Library on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
FRIENDS, family and well-wishers took shelter from the sweltering heat on Thursday evening to attend the launch of a new book by well known Tralee man Billy Ryle.
Senator Martin Conway, the first visually impaired person to be elected to the Oireachtas was on hand to launch ‘Donor Organ Transplants or Blind for the Football’ by the Guidance Counsellor and former Austin Stacks GAA Chairman.
Senator Conway is a founding member of AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability) and WAM (Willing Able Mentoring) and is an advocate for equality in education and employment for disabled people.
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The event was MC’d by Kerry O’Shea and Billy was on hand to sign copies of the book on sale. Minister for Education Norma Foley was also in attendance to wish Billy well.
To buy the book, begin by going to www.amazon.de and type “Billy Ryle” into the search box. Click on the book cover. Then follow the user-friendly purchase steps.
The book is also available to purchase at Paudie Commane Book Shop, Rock St., Tralee and Polymath Bookstore, Courthouse Lane, Tralee. All royalties in 2023 will go to NCBI.
Billy Ryle with Connie Turner at the launch of Billy’s book at Tralee Library on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Billy would like to thank Kerry County Librarian, Tommy O’Connor for hosting the launch in Tralee Library.
In 2018, Billy Ryle, who was enjoying a full and active life, was diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy, a disease of the eyes. In Fuchs Dystrophy, fluid builds up in the clear layer (cornea) on the front of the eye, causing the cornea to swell and thicken.
This leads to glare, blurred or cloudy vision, and eye discomfort. Fuchs Dystrophy usually affects both eyes, causing the vision to gradually worsen leading to blindness.
It was the beginning of a long and difficult medical journey, which Billy was determined to make in order to save his sight and he has documented in ‘Donor Organ Transplants or Blind for the Football’.
Phil Kissane and Sheila Ryle at the launch of Billy Ryle’s book at Tralee Library on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
Emer Hardiman and Carmel Quilter at the launch of Billy Ryle’s book at Tralee Library on Thursday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
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