Sadness at death of popular doctor
MILLSTREET was left saddened during the past week to learn of the death of popular doctor Patrick Casey after a short illness.
A GP who had practiced in Millstreet since 1965, Dr Pat became a trusted friend to so many people in Western Duhallow and East Kerry. As one of the best known medical practitioners in the region, he served diligently as a medical doctor and rendered outstanding service to the community.
The late Dr Pat came from Martinstown close to Kilmallock, Co. Limerick; graduating in medicine from University College Dublin, before serving in Dublin and Belfast. Returning to Dublin, he worked at the Temple Street Childrens Hospital where he met his wife to be Nora.
After serving as a hospital doctor, Dr Pat filled a number of temporary positions as a locum, including in Macroom, before settling in Millstreet from 1965. And for the next 56 years, his compassion and devoted care emerged for generations of many families.
Daily visits to Millstreet Community Hospital won favour amongst patients and staff, as did his role as dispensary doctor for Cullen and outlying districts.
Dr Pat supported the Irish Pilgrimage Trust that brought children and young people with special needs on a week-long pilgrimage holiday to Lourdes each Easter where a verse of two of ‘My Own Lovely Lee’ or ‘ The Bold Thady Quill’ would receive a warm reaction.
Actively involved in community life, Dr Pat became the first chairman of Millstreet Community Council in 1977, a voluntary group and through the intervening years he held a strong and progressive vision in a driven approach to promote the town.
A key advocate for greater facilities in the town, Dr Casey supported the construction of the Canon O’Donovan Centre. And a great cornerstone has been removed from the Cullen and District Special Needs Association.
From its founding in 1980, Dr Pat emerged as a key figure in fund raising drives for the Cullen Association, including its ever popular Weigh In and annual Christmas Party. Not alone did he serve as chairman but post- Christmas for close on 40 years, he brought his weighing scales to Cullen, pounds shed but euros gained for deserving causes.
Likewise, Dr. Pat was heavily involved in both Millstreet and Cullen GAA clubs. In a statement, Millstreet GAA acknowledged the great service delivered over the years as club doctor, the officers, players and trainers extending their sincere sympathy to his family. And the Cullen club said Dr Casey held a long involvement as club doctor, always present on the sideline when required, in addition to supporting the club.
At the end of a busy day, Dr Pat enjoyed a social rendezvous in McCarthy’s Bar where plenty of sporting banter emerged, none more so than the trials and tribulations of Cork and Kerry teams with the current rise of Limerick hurling fortunes bringing delight to a proud Millstreet resident.
In a professional capacity, Dr Casey was a friend and confidante to many patients and families. And the community at large owe Dr Pat gratitude for his huge contribution and generosity of his time to the wider Millstreet catchment area.
A devoted husband and father, deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Nora, sons Michael, Desmond, Patrick, daughters Louise, Teresa and extended family.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.