Micheál Martin
FIANNA Fáil leader Micheál Martin TD has paid tribute to Professor Gerry O’Sullivan of the Cork Cancer Research Centre and the Mercy University Hospital, Cork.
He commented, “Ireland has lost a great thinker and innovator with the death of Professor O’Sullivan. His work in setting up and directing the Cork Cancer Research Centre is an immense legacy and one that will continue to help people suffering from cancer for many years to come.
“It was my great privilege to work with Professor O’Sullivan while Minister for Health, when he was a major influence and guide for me as we sought to positively transform cancer care in the country.
“He was an outstanding clinician and possessed a dogged determination to improve the research, understanding and treatment of cancer. With more than 200 publications to his name, nine postgraduate qualifications, seven patents and personal responsibility for no fewer than 11 new surgical techniques, he was a genuinely major figure in his field.
He will be sadly missed by his wife Breda, daughter Orla, sons Gearóid and Eoghan as well as his many friends and colleagues in Cork and further afield. On behalf of the entire Fianna Fáil movement, I offer my condolences to his family and our thanks for his lifetime of service to the community.”
Sad days for Cork, Ireland, and Science
I just found out today of the passing of Professor O’Sullivan, and I am still crying as I write this. He saved my life, when he should have passed me on in August of 2009 after the removal of a GIST Tumor and internal bleeding. 3 Days later I was re-admitted (No fault of the surgery) with Gastroparesis, not holding food down, loosing weight, scopes, so many tests….he brought in other’s to verify Gastroparesis but would not release me. He was a Professional and because I believe I was his last patient (unless he went back to work after his chemo), he refused to not hand me over…wanting to keep me in for 6 more months. I begged, pleaded for day passes (after I realised he went from walking, to assitance, a cane…then during his chats on my bed asking for candy. I was an anayst in the States, and I figured out is was Cancer. So within 2 weeks, I convinced him to release me and found out he started his treatment. I was thrilled to here from another Gastrologist that it was successful (or remission), but now my heart aches that my illness cost him 3-4 possible months of treatment. I suffer from many disease’s, but I will not forget him begging me to quit smoking. Today is day 1, in Honor of one of the Greatest Professor’s I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. My Sincere Condolences to his Wife and Children, Family, Friends, Staff worker and Previous Patients that had the honor of being treated by one of the WORLDS FINEST MEN AND DOCTOR! GOD BLESS, Teresa Lowry