Tributes paid to retired Mayo hospital administrator Liam Reidy
By Tom Gillespie
THE death of retired senior hospital administrator Liam Reidy, Gortna mBláth, Tulla Road, Ennis, and formerly of Altamount Street, Westport, and Rathbawn Drive, Castlebar, is deeply mourned by his former work colleagues, family, neighbours and friends.
Liam passed away peacefully in the tender care of Milford Hospice after a short illness on Saturday morning, May 29, with his family by his side. A native of Westport, he was predeceased by his parents, William Reidy and Mary Reidy (nee Doyle), and recently by his brother Jim Reidy, South Mall, Westport.
He is sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Angela (née Lally), daughters Claire Dolan (Gort) and Denise (Ennis).
Liam will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his grandchildren Kate, Sarah, Robert, Matthew and Stephen, his sister Maureen (Dublin), sons-in-law Ray Dolan and Jonathan Glennon, brother-in-law Joe Lally (Galway), sister-in-law Irene Reidy, niece Faustina Reidy and nephew William Reidy (Westport).
His funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Joseph’s Hospital Church, Ennis, followed by cremation at Shannon Crematorium.
Liam was responsible for mental health and older people's services for Co. Mayo. These included the management of St. Mary’s Psychiatric Hospital, Castlebar, Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, the district hospitals in Swinford and Belmullet and the welfare homes in Claremorris, Westport, Belmullet and Ballina.
Liam was also instrumental with the development of the Mental Health Association of Ireland and the Mayo branch and he guided the development of many of the association's strategies. This work Liam carried out on a voluntary basis.
Liam also undertook voluntary work for seven-and-a-half years after he retired for Mayo Roscommon Hospice and also did some work for the Alzheimers Society in Knock.
Many tributes were paid to Liam who was described as being totally dedicated and committed to his role. A gentleman of great integrity, intelligence and a wonderful sense of humour, as well as a kind and supportive boss.
He was also described as a fair and honourable man and a good administrator during his time attached to St. Mary’s Hospital in Castlebar, and as one of the finest gentlemen to walk this earth. He was strict, to the book, but extremely fair and helpful.