Heartbreak at sudden death of Portlaoise hospital nurse
Joe Dunne was a beloved colleague and friend. Photo: RIP.ie
THE sudden death of an extremely popular and dedicated Portlaoise hospital nurse has caused immense shock and grief, particularly among nursing management and staff.
The loss of senior emergency department (ED) nurse Joe Dunne has devastated his family, friends and colleagues.
A clinical nurse manager (CNM 2), he had vast experience in his chosen profession and is widely described as an exceptional nurse, colleague and friend.
A resident of Ballyfin, Joe died suddenly yesterday and is deeply mourned by his heartbroken wife Helen and their three young children Chloe, Joe and Conor.
In a tribute tonight, the IAANMP professional body said: ‘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.'
Among countless tributes on social media this evening, one former colleague said: ‘ Joe, you left a gaping hole in Tullamore ED when you moved to Portlaoise, I can only imagine how Portlaoise are feeling now. Honestly one of the nicest, funniest, down to earth nurses there ever was and will be, you definitely kept us laughing during the height of Covid. My thoughts are with your wife, children, family and many, many work colleagues.’
The death notice on RIP.ie today 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.
‘May Joe’s gentle soul rest in peace.
‘Funeral arrangements later.’
