The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has confirmed that a prisoner passed away in Limerick Prison on Christmas Day.
A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service confirmed the sudden death of a prisoner in Limerick Prison on December 25.
In a statement they said: "All deaths in custody are investigated by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána, where circumstances warrant. The cause of death is determined by the coroner’s office. The next of kin have been notified."
The deceased has been named locally as father of one Michael Knapp Ryan, 34, who was from St Mary's Park in Limerick city. Mr Ryan had a number of convictions for violent disorder.
It's understood Mr Ryan collapsed and died after becoming unwell.
Prison officials are awaiting the results of a post mortem, but there is no suggestion of foul play.
He was serving a five year sentence for assault and robbery and had been in prison since June 2020. He had around 15 months left to serve before he would have been released with standard remission.
Sources say he was not regarded as a serious criminal.
He is survived by his mother Diane, sisters Maria, Donna, Joanne, Carina, Sarah and Sherice and brother Daniel, Kieran and Ricky. His requiem mass will take place on Saturday December 31 with burial afterwards in Mount St Oliver’s Cemetery.
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