Ryhal Harvey Gallagher, born 28th February 1946 to Patrick and Rosetta Gallagher in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately. at the age of 4, Ryhal's parents divorced, but around 3 years later, Ryhal's mother married Gilbert Parker, and about 8 years later, they had a son, Lynn Parker. Ryhal was the sportsman in the family, and Lynn was the musician; he studied at the Royal College of Music, and resided in Vienna.

Ryhal attended Methodist College Belfast (more commonly known as Methody), where his nickname, Cigsy, was given (based on the Gallagher cigarette brand, which were popular at that time). In his teen years, he became a boarder when his stepfather accepted a posting in Zambia, to work with the Government as the Official Receiver. During his school summer holidays, Ryhal travelled in style on the P&O liners of the day, to visit with family, and would keep friends in NI fully engaged with stories of his African experiences.

When Ryhal completed his studies at Methody, he took off to New York, where his doting Uncle and Auntie looked on him as the son they never had. Uncle Ted worked for the UN, and headed up many projects in Africa for UNICEF. Ryhal got a taste for the "good life" in New York, and was introduced to fine dining, opera, symphony, ballet and art galleries; he could give a good lecture on the artists of bygone days, and in particular loved the Frick Museum. Ryhal took a gap year before it became fashionable to do so, trying to decide which career path he should take. Auntie Margaret, who was in the fashion industry, managed to secure a job for him in the Garment Centre in New York which he enjoyed primarily because the Daks suits came at a large discount. He had many!

After a year of having fun in NY and living the high life in the best of surroundings, Ryhal's Uncle Ted felt it was time for him to take life a little more seriously and to further his education. Ryhal decided to go back to Northern Ireland, as his stepfather had retired from his posting in Zambia, and his family were returning home, in order to educate Lynn at Methody. Arrangements were made to enroll Ryhal at The Belfast College of Commerce for a three year course in Business Studies and Finance.

The Vietnam war was looking in the US, and as Ryhal held a green card, before he could leave, he was "called up" for service in the US Forces. The timing of his further education in Northern Ireland was perfect; he was allowed to leave New York after affidavits were signed, but just to be sure, the US Forces requested confirmation of his acceptance at the College when he arrived back in Northern Ireland.

On Ryhal's return to NI, he joined Collegians Rugby Club (Methody Old Boys Club), playing for the 1st XV as second row forward and literally rubbing shoulders with some of the greats - Willie John McBride of Ireland and the British Lions, and Peter Stagg of Scotland. Rugby was a big part of his life - one could say he lived for his Tuesday and Thursday training nights, and Saturday matches, and of course the camaraderie at the rugby club bar afterwards. Hi playing career with the Collegians was a successful one, with almost 140 appearances at senior level.

Ryhal joined Northern Bank Executor & Trust Company in 1969, and enjoyed his work, but had a yearning to go abroad again. He and his wife at the time, Vivian, accepted a post with The Royal Bank of Canada, Nassau, in 1973. As they were visiting relatives in New York in September anyway, the couple were invited to fly to Nassau from New York to acquaint themselves with the island, only to be advised that Prime Minister Pindling had placed a moratorium on all work permits. An alternative was provided - to work in Grand Cayman, which at the time was classified as a hardship posting, but to compensate for the hardship, RBC flew the staff off island to Miami for a long weekend every three months, with accommodation, and $200 spending money to purchase the basics that could not be bought locally. The contract was accepted for a two year period in April 1974, and Ryhal never left.

During his 42 years in Cayman, Ryhal was an integral part of the Cayman Rugby Football Club. One might even say an institution. He captained the national team during the 1979-80 playing season, and played locally and internationally for about ten years. His playing career ended in the mid-80s, but his involvement with the club continued, and his rapier wit and hilarious anecdotes have provided entertainment to many at the South Sound ground and beyond. Rugby was Ryhal's passion, and he could hold forth for hours on the respective merits of the top international players and their teams.

He was an eloquent and much sought-after public speaker, who entertained the crowds on numberous occasions at rugby dinners, Burns Suppers, weddings, school reunions, and various charity events. Many a co-host, or speaker, trembled in their boots to hear that they shared a billing with Ryhal.

Professionally, after RBC, Ryhal moved to Hunter & Hunter, where he managed Huntlaw Corporate Services, the company administration arm, for over ten years. Subsequently, he opened his own company, Gallagher & Co, which provided trustee and company administration services. He was an incredibly intelligent man, who for various reasons probably did not fulfill his potential in the business world, but his clients loved him.

Ryhal had many good friends, all over the globe, old and young, men and women - his magnetic personality ensured universal appeal - all of whom will miss him dearly.

In conclusion, Ryhal was a big man, with a huge heart, a heart as big as the ocean.