Former Laois councillor gives urgent advice after life-threatening illness

A FORMER Laois county councillor has issued potentially life-saving advice, after surviving life-threatening sepsis twice within two years.

Retired Labour party councillor Noel Tuohy from Portlaoise is glad to be home after a three-month hospital stay, following his second battle with the potentially fatal condition.

He is urging people to be aware of the symptoms of sepsis and to keep a blood pressure (BP) monitor at home, as the illness requires urgent medical treatment. It was after his own monitor showed his blood pressure had plummeted that Noel sought immediate help.

He said this week: “Sepsis is a life-threatening, life-altering illness. Act on your gut instinct, act fast and don't be afraid to voice your concerns or suspicions when you seek medical help in a hurry.” 

A hugely popular figure, well known for his long involvement with groups ranging from Portlaoise panto to the local GAA club, Noel has battled Parkinson’s Disease for years and retired from the county council for health reasons over three years ago, having been first elected in 2014.

His wife, Cllr Marie Tuohy, was co-opted in his place in February 2023 and won the Labour seat in her own right the following year. Married for 46 years, they have five adult children who include legendary former Aussie rules star Zach Tuohy.

Having undergone immense health challenges and even brain surgery over the past few years, Noel has just survived his second bout with sepsis since late 2024.

As he recuperates after a long stay at Tallaght Hospital that included an extremely worrying time in intensive care, he is appealing to people to take precautionary measures against the devastating illness.

In a social media post on 15 June, Noel wrote: ‘I am recovering now and want to take this opportunity to say a few things.

‘Firstly, thanks to my friends and family for their concern and support. Thinking especially of my wife Marie, who was there around the clock and also my daughters Naomi and Hannah and my sons Noel, John and Zach plus their partners, not forgetting my wonderful grandchildren.’ 

He said: ‘It's a long journey, a lot of which I don't remember but somehow I knew I wasn't alone. I had sepsis for the second time and I would advise and implore you to inform yourselves about this, as it seems to be more common now.

‘There is plenty of information online. Have a look and invest in a BP monitor. It may be the indicator that saves your life.’ 

Noel included a treasured photo taken in May, saying: ‘It means a lot to me as I got "temporary release" for a few hours to see my two grandchildren on their communion day.’ 

An abnormal response to an infection, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death unless it is identified and treated quickly, although most people make a full recovery.

Symptoms vary but can include breathlessness or breathing very fast, blue lips, dizziness, cold hands and feet, pounding in the chest, not urinating as much as normal, severe muscle or leg pain and failure to recover after 24 hours.

The potentially deadly illness can result from any infection and can affect anyone of any age, leading to rapid deterioration in health. Advice and a full list of possible symptoms are available on HSE.ie.