Tributes Flood In For Dr Tony Holohan As He Steps Back To Care For Wife

Dr Tony Holohan announced his decision earlier this week to step back from his role as Chief Medical Officer.

Announcing that the care of his family was a priority, Dr Holohan’s “energy, attention and all of my time” was needed at home, as his wife, Dr Emer Feely entered palliative care last Saturday for blood cancer multiple myeloma.

Making his announcement in a personal statement at the end of Thursday’s briefing of the National Public Health Emergency Team, Dr Tony Holohan revealed he would be focusing on his family; his wife and two teenage children, Clodagh and Ronan.

As one that the nation looked to for support, comfort and a public response to the virus since the beginning in January, a flood of tributes poured in for the public health doctor, thanking him for his incredible service, bravery and strength to guide Ireland during this difficult and unprecedented time.

Leading the praise was Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, who thanked Dr Holohan for his leadership and his “extraordinary commitment and professionalism” during the pandemic.

“He has been a rock, and he will be back as a rock,” Mr Donnelly said.

Former minister for health Simon Harris described Dr Holohan as “a patriot, an incredible public servant and a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership.”

Tony Holohan is a patriot, an incredible public servant & a doctor who has saved thousands of lives through his leadership. He has kept us safe. I valued his counsel as Minister so much. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us. We think of them & respect their privacy

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 2, 2020

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also shared kind words for Dr Holohan writing:

“For months everyone in Ireland has felt safe because you were looking after our families. As you step back, know that all of us stand behind you and your wonderful family. We’ll meet again soon.”

And as the praise continues to trend online in Ireland, here are some of the lovely words being shared for Dr Tony Holohan.

Saw this on the side of Devitt’s Pub the other day, seems like an appropriate time to share.

Think this says a lot about how the public views Dr Tony Holohan. pic.twitter.com/biiZiGtZuK

— Paul O’Donoghue (@paulodonoghue93) July 2, 2020

I don’t think Ireland will ever be able to repay Dr Tony Holohan for his part during the pandemic. He has been incredible. I wish him and his family strength in the difficult times ahead 🥺#thankyoutony

— Paul Zambra (@PaulZambra) July 2, 2020

Dr. Tony Holohan has done this Country a huge service in keeping us informed and positive through these past few months. Little did we know what him and his family have being going through. We owe him a lot, especially time away and privacy right now with his family.

— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) July 2, 2020

Dr Tony Holohan has earned the gratitude of the nation.

— John Maguire (@JMaguireCritic) July 2, 2020

Thank you, Tony. A hero! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.

• Dr Tony Holohan