'A light has gone out' - Many tributes paid on the passing of Laois nurse

Many tributes have been paid to the sudden passing of a Laois man who was a popular member of staff at Portlaoise hospital.

Joe Dunne, Rossmore of Ballyfin, died suddenly on March 2 while on a weekend away.

A Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Manager at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, he is sadly missed and dearly loved by his heartbroken wife Helen, children Chloe, Joe and Conor.

Joe is also missed by brother Eamon, sisters Anne, Chris, and Theresa, 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 trained as a nurse at TUS Athlone before serving patients with dedication at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, the Midland Regional Hospitals in Tullamore and Mullingar. He has worked at Portlaoise hospital since 2014 where he was attached to the A&E / ED at the time of his death.

Apart from being a family man and healthcare professional, he was also a farmer and noted carpenter. 

The staff at the Portlaoise Acute Medical Assessment Unit in Portlaoise paid tribute.

"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," said the tribute.

"A light has gone out in the nursing community. Joe was an absolute pleasure to work alongside; he was the type of person every nurse should strive to be. Heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, in a world where you can be anything, be a Joe Dunne," said Emma Fogarty, Emergency Department at MRHT.

Angela and Tom Bowe, Ballyfin, were friends.

"We have lost a very special, caring, witty and talented friend. We will miss so much our evenings of music, song and laughter together. He adored his family, and our hearts go out to Helen, Chloe, Joe and Conor," they wrote.

The staff, pupils and Ballyfin National School also paid tribute.

"We will remember him as such a positive, helpful and supportive parent in the school, and his smiling face and friendly greetings will be missed at drop-off and collection times," they said.

Karen O'Connor of the National Ambulance Service also extended condolences.

"Joe was an absolute gentleman. So kind and caring to everyone. He had a smile that would light up any room. A massive loss to Portlaoise A&E, and he will be truly missed by everyone. My thoughts are with you, Helen and your beautiful children," she said.

The Irish Association of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners (IAANMP) also paid tribute.

"It is with profound sadness that the IAANMP has learned of the passing of our dear colleague and friend," they said of a man who "whose commitment to patient care was evident throughout his distinguished career".

"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," said the statement.

Funeral arrangements later.