'Nothing I would love more': Disappointment as prominent Limerickman to miss hurling final
Limerick minister wished the team and management the ‘very best of luck’
LOCAL TD and Government minister Patrick O’Donovan has expressed his disappointment at not being able to attend the All-Ireland hurling final between Limerick and Galway this Sunday due to ill health.
Mr O’Donovan (pictured below) became unwell in Belgium on Tuesday, July 7 and was taken to hospital. He returned to Ireland from Brussels on the following Friday night and is recovering at home with his family in West Limerick.
A spokesperson said: “His condition is stable but requires medical management, treatment and care to get him back to his full health.”
The minister for arts, culture, communications, media and sport is a big Limerick hurling fan and attends all the matches.
However, Mr O’Donovan said on a post in social media on Saturday that he won’t be in Croke Park this Sunday.
“Nothing I would love more than to be at the match tomorrow, cheering on our champions and watching them lift the Liam MacCarthy.
“Unfortunately I am still recovering and I don't want to set myself back. Very best of luck to John and all the lads, I hope ye do the job and bring it home. Luimneach Abú,” wrote Mr O’Donovan.
The 49-year-old did not attend the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and the Sunday Independent is reporting that he is to return to duties in September
The father-of-three has previously spoken to the media about his diagnosis for epilepsy.
Mr O’Donovan collapsed in the Dáil chamber on June 29, 2023, while answering questions. Following the incident, he was admitted to Beaumont Hospital where he was diagnosed with deep frontal lobe epilepsy.
It is understood he underwent a procedure on his leg in recent weeks and has been on crutches for a period of time.