Limerick's Sister Enda lives on in Malaysian hearts

THE TWINKLING eyes and broad, kind smile of Sr Enda Ryan as she wears a Limerick jersey signed by a fellow Galbally native, John Kiely, in 2020 encapsulates the nun who never forgot her homeplace.

She left south east Limerick for the south east Asian country of Malaya (now Malaysia) exactly 70 years ago as a girl in her 20s.

Sr Enda, who sadly passed away at the great age of 95, has left an unquantifiable legacy to her adopted home.

The Franciscan missionary founded Assunta primary and secondary schools in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, in 1958. She played a central role in the education of countless Malaysian girls, some of whom like former Central Bank Governor, Dr Zeti, have been prominent in public life.

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Sr Enda has received many accolades in recognition of her untiring devotion to education, including an honorary Doctorate in Humanities by Taylor's University in Malaysia.

She told a newspaper at the time that her concern was not over where her students would end up, how many As they would get, how many degrees and accolades they would accumulate.

“Rather, it was about what they would become and seek to be – to value what one has and not what others have and do, and always emphasising heart over head,” said Sr Enda.

Following her passing, the headline of an obituary in the Malaysian newspaper, The Star, demonstrates the esteem with which she is held: “Heart and Soul: Passing of a legend – Sister Enda Ryan”.

The author wrote that, “At the wake and funeral, many former students of all races were moved to tears. I can empathise with them. Here was a nun that not many educators could match in terms of noble contributions.

“This indefatigable Irish nun gave her all towards girls’ education. It was a vocation, a calling from God Almighty,” continued the tribute.

Sr Enda's life's work was in Malaysia but Galbally was always home. Sr Enda actually emailed this reporter in 2020, at the age of 91, to request an article on her uncle, the late Michael Scanlan of Galbally.

The teacher was killed by the British Forces in 1920.

Sr Enda’s brother Tim said: “On behalf of the Ryan family, I'd just like to express our sincere thanks to all the people who attended the memorial Mass in Galbally for Sr Enda, signed the book of condolences and on RIP, and sympathised with us in person, e-mail and over the phone.”

May she rest in peace