Kildare photographer Pat Tinsley remembered in Seanad

Kildare-based Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin remembered the late photographer Pat Tinsley on Rare Disease Day this week.

Newbridge resident Pat passed away at Beech Park Nursing Home near Kildare town in April 2022 after his very courageous four-year battle with rare genetic condition, amyloidosis.

Senator O’Loughlin said, “In Ireland, it is estimated that 300,000 people are living with a rare disease.

"However, Irish rare disease patients are forced to wait over one third longer than their EU counterparts to access approved orphan drugs. This is an appeal on behalf of those who need better access to life-saving treatments.”

 “I have spoken many times about my friend, Pat Tinsley in the Oireachtas, who sadly passed away last year from amyloidosis. The patisiran drug just did not come in time for him.”

Pat was a regular at community events for several years through his work with local newspapers such the Leinster Leader and the Kildare Post.

He also followed Kildare GAA teams around the county and country and often at St Conleth’s Park and Croke Park.

He was known for his cheerful and obliging manner and is sadly missed by many people. 

 Fiona concluded by saying “I also want to shout out to Stephen Sheil, a Rathangan man who worked in the Houses of the Oireachtas, and who is not just surviving but is thriving.

"Stephen was diagnosed with intestinal neuronal dysplasia, IND, when he was just six months old. We need to continue to fight for those with rare diseases.”