Limerick family settles case against HSE on fourth anniversary of baby's death
‘Pádraig was perfect. We held him. We baptised him. Our families came to meet him. And then we had to let him go.’
A WEST Limerick family have settled their case against the Health Service Executive (HSE) following the death of their baby son, Pádraig, at University Maternity Hospital Limerick.
The settlement was ruled this Thursday four years to the day since the son of Leanne O'Brien and Patrick O'Donnell, Newcastle West, died shortly after his birth.
The settlement, for an undisclosed sum, brings to a close legal proceedings taken by the couple after the loss of their first son, according to a statement issued to media.
“The timing of the resolution, falling on such a significant anniversary, was not lost on the family or those who supported them through the process.
“In May 2026, the HSE issued a formal written apology to Leanne and Patrick. In it, the HSE acknowledged, without reservation, that there were failings in the standard of care provided to the family and to baby Pádraig, and accepted full responsibility for those failings. The HSE also confirmed it had reviewed its practices, made changes to its processes, and provided additional training to staff.
“Throughout, the family's aim was straightforward, to understand what happened, to see those failings acknowledged, and to help ensure that other families are spared similar heartache,” it reads.
A further statement was read on behalf of Leanne and Patrick, outside the High Court this Thursday.
“Four years ago, on this very weekend, our son Pádraig was born. And four years ago, on this very weekend, we said goodbye to him. He was with us for just a few short hours. But he was, and he always will be, our son.
“Pádraig was perfect. We held him. We baptised him. Our families came to meet him. And then we had to let him go. No parent should ever have to do both of those things in the same breath.
“For four years, we have carried that morning with us. The grief has not faded. People say time heals. It doesn't. You just learn to carry it. We carry Pádraig with us every single day.”
The family say that today, the Health Service Executive has accepted responsibility for “the failings in his care”.
“They have apologised to us, fully and without reservation. We want to acknowledge that. It will not bring Pádraig back. Nothing ever will. But to hear it said plainly, that he was failed, and that it should never have happened, means a great deal to us. It is something we have waited a long time to hear.
“That this settlement falls on the anniversary of his passing is not lost on us. It is a difficult day made heavier, and yet it feels right that Pádraig is at the centre of it. Everything we have done over these four years, we have done for him.”
Leanne and Patrick said they did not pursue this case for themselves.
“We did it for Pádraig. And we did it so that no other mother, no other father, no other family has to stand where we are standing now. If even one baby is safer because of what we have done, then his short life will have changed things for the better. That is what we hold on to.
“We want to thank our solicitor, Máire Moloney of HOMS Assist. Máire stood with us through the hardest days, listened when we needed to be heard, and guided us with care and patience every step of the way. We never once felt alone in this. For that, we will always be grateful.
“We want to thank our families, our friends, and everyone who held us up when we could not stand on our own.”
Baby Pádraig’s parents also thanked the wonderful community they found through Féileacáin and the Butterfly Run.
“They are bereaved parents, like us. They understand. With them, we can say Pádraig's name out loud, and we are not met with discomfort, only kindness. That has been a gift.
“To our boys, Matt, Darragh, and our beautiful rainbow baby Lucas, you are our reason. You keep us going. Every day. Lucas will grow up knowing all about his big brother. Pádraig will always be part of our family. He is one of four. He always will be.
“And to Pádraig, we love you. We miss you. We did this for you. Rest easy, little man.
“We ask now, gently, for some privacy. Today is a hard day. We would like to spend it together, as a family, remembering our son. Thank you,” concludes the statement.
The family was represented by Máire Moloney, solicitor, of HOMS Assist, Bishopsgate, Henry Street, Limerick.
Speaking after the settlement, Ms Moloney, said: “No settlement and no apology can bring Pádraig back, and Leanne and Patrick carry his loss with them every single day. What they sought was honesty, acknowledgement, and the assurance that lessons would be learned. The HSE's apology and the resolution of this case give them that recognition.
“That this came on the fourth anniversary of Pádraig's death makes the day all the more difficult, and all the more meaningful. Leanne and Patrick have shown remarkable courage and dignity throughout. Their hope, and ours, is that real change in maternity care follows, so that fewer families ever find themselves in their position. Accountability matters, because it protects the families who come after."
The family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. They wish to acknowledge the support of those who stood with them, and remember Pádraig with love.