'Dick was Mr Hospital' - Passing a Dick Sides sad loss for Friends of Portlaoise Hospital
Dick Sides was more than a campaigner for Portlaoise hospital as his work with the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital proved over many years.
From TVs to vital medical equipment he worked as Chairman with Tommy Timmons as Treasurer to ensure that as much help as possible could be given to the hospital with funds raised locally.
Mr Timmons said his colleague and friend co-founded the charity in the late 1990s along with nurse Elaine O'Neill. He said the Friends of the Hospital is totally voluntary with all money going back into the hospital in the form of new equipment needed by staff.
"Dick was Mr Hospital. He gave his heart and soul for the hospital. He knew every doctor and every nurse in there and everyone knew Dick. Everyone in the hospital loved him," he said.
The Treasurer recalled Dick's ability to raise funds directly especially through the sale of tickets for the Christmas raffle which he sold at the Dublin Road hospital.
Also, remembered was the annual Christmas Party when Santa Clause would be booked to visit and deliver presents to children who were patients. The Church Choir would also visit and sing on the wards to entertain patients.
Mr Timmons admits he does not know if the Friends could have been successful without Dick as he as always been involved.
"It was never without him. He was the head bottle washer," he said.
As to what motivated Dick to do the work he did, Mr Timmons believed his friend could see a problem and knew how to find solutions.
"He could get things done," said the Treasurer.
Mr Timmons also lauded his work for Portlaoise in other ways through the GAA and Credit Union.
"He was a great man and a great friend of mine. The Friends of the Hospital will sadly miss him," he said.
"On behalf of the management and staff of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dick Sides.
"Dick worked tirelessly in support of the Hospital and was centrally involved for many years in the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital. The Hospital and its staff are extremely grateful for his time and effort, and in particular, his and the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital’s work that contributed to enhancing the care and services at Portlaoise Hospital," the said..