Funeral announced for beloved Portlaoise hospital nurse

FUNERAL details have been announced for a beloved Portlaoise hospital nurse, whose sudden death has devastated his family, friends and colleagues.

Joe Dunne from Ballyfin, who died suddenly on Monday, was an extremely popular and dedicated clinical nurse manager in the emergency department at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP).

He is deeply mourned by his heartbroken wife Helen and their three young children Chloe, Joe and Conor, extended family, MRHP colleagues, his local community and many friends.

His remains will repose at Burke’s Funeral Home, Mountrath (R32Y661) this Friday evening from 5pm, concluding with Rosary at 8pm.

Removal will be from his home on Sunday afternoon to St Fintan’s Church, Ballyfin (R32TD61) for Requiem Mass at 2pm, followed by burial in St Fintan’s Cemetery Ballyfin.

Requiem Mass will be live streamed on www.ballyfinparish.ie.

His death notice on RIP.ie states: ‘Sadly missed and dearly loved by his heartbroken wife Helen, children Chloe, Joe and Conor, brother Eamon (Sammy), sisters Anne (O’Rourke), Chris (Byrne) and Theresa (Ramsbottom), father-in-law Joe Quigley, sisters-in-law Nuala, Ann Marie and Sarah, brothers-in-law Alan, John, Paul, Brendan and Joe, his adored nieces and nephews, aunt Sheila, cousins and his wide circle of friends and nursing colleagues.'

Joe’s unexpected death due to a head injury following a fall has caused an outpouring of grief, with countless tributes highlighting his extraordinary kindness and wonderful personality.  

Staff at the Portlaoise hospital's Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU) said: 'We are heartbroken to hear the sad news that Joe is no longer with us. We had the pleasure of working alongside him in AMAU. A wonderful colleague, generous with his time and knowledge, while providing exceptional care to patients. 

'After he moved to ED he still popped his head around the door to chat or play the occasional prank on us. We will remember him with great affection. To Helen, Chloe, Joe, Conor, his sisters, brother and extended families, our sincere condolences.'

Among nearly 200 tributes on the Laois Nationalist Facebook page last night and today, one mother wrote: ‘My 2.5 year old was in with Joe only two weeks ago. He was fantastic. He sat on the floor, he stood on the bed, he let her investigate everything in the room. Whatever she did, wherever she went, he just followed her around and worked on her broken arm, whilst leaving her content and distracted. He even gave us his direct line so we could get in touch if she had any issues.

‘We spend a lot of time in hospital due to said two year old having a genetic issue, we interact with a lot of medical professionals regularly. Joe honestly made top of the list, he was just so good. My daughter is still talking about "the nice doctor" two weeks later, referring to ANP Joe. MRHP have lost a huge asset. Condolences to Joe's family and friends.’ 

Another follower replied: ‘That was Joe. An absolute gentle soul of a man dedicated to his job and family. You couldn't have met a nicer person. A massive loss and truly a sad day.’

In a tribute outlining Joe's exceptional dedication, the IAANMP professional body said last night: ‘It is with profound sadness that the Irish Association of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners (IAANMP) has learned of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner Joe Dunne of Rossmore, Ballyfin, Co. Laois.

Joe was a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Emergency Department at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise and a valued member of IAANMP, whose commitment to patient care was evident throughout his distinguished career.

Joe trained as a nurse at TUS Athlone. Over the years, he also served with dedication at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and the Regional Hospital Mullingar, where he was highly regarded by colleagues and patients alike.

His warm demeanour, clinical expertise and collegial spirit enriched the lives of patients, families and fellow practitioners alike. Joe’s professional contributions have left an enduring impact on the community he served and on the broader advanced practice nursing landscape in Ireland.

He was known among colleagues for his integrity, humility and generous spirit. His calm presence and sound clinical judgement made a lasting impression on those privileged to work alongside him.

Beyond his professional life, Joe was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. He is deeply mourned by his loving wife Helen, his children Chloe, Joe and Conor, his siblings Eamon (Sammy), Anne, Chris and Theresa, and his extended family, colleagues, and wide circle of friends. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

On behalf of IAANMP, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time.’