Tributes paid to Athlone businessman who died while swimming in Malta

Tributes are being paid to a popular local businessman in Athlone after his tragic death abroad yesterday.

Noel Ryan passed away after getting into difficulty while swimming at St Julian's Bay, during a holiday in Malta.

Members of the Civil Protection Department and the Armed Forces of Malta were called to assist, and Noel was brought ashore but declared dead shortly afterwards.

Noel ran the popular Ryan's Clothes Shop on Mardyke street before his retirement in 2014 and was well known and liked in the town.

Mayor of Athlone Frankie Keena says that Noel was the epitome of old Athlone: