Mayo Doctor was deeply respected at Dublin hospital
The amazing tributes to Pat reflect his contribution to his chosen profession and the way he retained his down-to-earth manner that he inherited from his upbringing in his native Ballyhaunis.
Dr Pat Freyne, Rathgar, Dublin, who died recently in the excellent care of the staff at Four Ferns Nursing Home, Foxrock, following a long illness, was a native of Clare Street, Ballyhaunis.
Pat was a noble son of Mayo who made a massive contribution to St James Hospital in Dublin where he commanded incredible respect through his long years in the medical and research profession. He retained a great affection for his native Ballyhaunis and would have been thrilled to see Mayo bridge the 75 year gap back to 1951 when they won the All Ireland Final on July 26.
The amazing tributes to Pat reflect his contribution to his chosen profession and the way he retained his down-to-earth manner that he inherited from his upbringing in his native Ballyhaunis. Among those leading the tributes to Pat were Aileen and Bernard Walsh, St James’s Hospital: “Pat, together with the late Ned Malone, drove the development of St James’s Hospital Radiology and Imaging Department in the early 1980’s and 1990’s.
“He was the first Clinical Director of the Department and was at the forefront of acquiring modern up to date imaging equipment. He also drove the formation of the Specialist Registrar Radiology Training Programme, establishing it as what is today internationally recognised and one of the finest in Europe and these islands.
“As a member of the hospital executive team for many years, Pat also hugely supported the development of other directorates and speciality departments. He was a clinically gifted radiologist and tremendously obliging with a constant open door policy to other hospital consultants and young doctors when patients needed to be discussed.
“His tremendous legacy and his huge contribution to the development of radiology and St James’s Hospital has left an indelible mark in the life of the largest teaching hospital in Ireland. Pat and his beautiful wife Paddy Anne were devoted to each other, were always there for one another and he greatly mourned her loss.”
Fintan Wallis joined in the tributes: “Pat was a legendary figure to many of us who started their radiology careers in St James Hospital. He was good humoured, fun, bright and full of common sense. He instilled in us many great habits and passed on his brand of radiology through great teaching sessions.
“Thanks for the great tutorials, the great stories, the pints in Kenny’s on a Friday and all those golf tips. He was a unique great radiologist and person.”
Catherine Murtagh, radiographer at St James Hospital, recalled memories of a gentleman who had such a huge impact on colleagues over the years: “It was an incredibly happy time for us at St James Hospital x-ray and nuclear medicine under Dr Freyne’s leadership and guidance. What a legacy he leaves with his spirit of calm professionalism and kindness intertwined now in the lives of those he inspired along the way.”
Ronan McDermott said he Pat was a kind and thoughtful doctor, a great colleague, mentor and friend: “He leaves a tremendous legacy behind him from his work in Radiology in St James’s Hospital and he helped shape a generation of Radiology trainees. He will be sorely missed.”
Returning to sporting matters, Jimmy Duggan, who won a Mayo senior championship medal with Claremorris in 1965 and who, a year later, won an All-Ireland senior medal with Galway in 1966, said: “Pat was a great guy with whom I spent five wonderful years at St Jarlath’s College, Tuam.”
Former Mayo footballer, Eugene Rooney, Kiltimagh, who was goalie on the Mayo team that won the National League in 1970, and who has operated his own business in Manhattan, New York, for many years, commented: “Pat Freyne was an absolute gentleman. He was a member of the St. Jarlath’s Hogan Cup team of 1966. Due to a mix up, he never received his Hogan Cup Medal until our captain Jimmy Duggan secured his All Ireland medal for him a few years ago. He was so proud of that medal.”
Padraic Carolan, Balla, recalled working with Pat in St James’s Hospital: “As a fellow Mayo man, we had many discussions on Mayo football. He was a true gentleman.” Reposing was in Fanagans Funeral Home, Rathfarnham; with interment in Kilternan Cemetery following Requiem Mass will take place in the Church of St. Columbanus and St. Gall, Milltown Dublin.
Pat, who was predeceased by his wife, Paddy Anne MacBride Freyne (formerly of Ballindine) in 2020, and by his sister Bernadette and his brother Vincent, will be sadly missed by his daughter Aoife and son Marc, son-in-law Declan, daughter-in-law Rosemary, grandchildren Jack, Sam, Danny, Patrick and John, relatives, neighbours and friends.