Man’s dying wish granted as respite bed given to unit

THE dying wish of a young Clare man to help fellow cystic fibrosis sufferers has been fulfilled at Limerick’s regional hospital.

A respite bed purchased with funds raised by the late Patrick Barry and his family has been placed in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital’s cystic fibrosis unit.

Patrick, 23, from Clarecastle, died on May 23 last year with his parents Liam and Mary at his bedside. A respite bed had been installed at the family home while he waited to be called for a heart and lung transplant. The bed was a great help as it could be adjusted to suit his needs.

Sadly, Patrick passed away before he could have the surgery.

His father, Liam said: “That’s the nature of the illness.” The family set up a fund in memory of Patrick to purchase the bed for the unit.

Mr Barry recalled how his son endured the illness bravely throughout his life. “Patrick’s thoughts were for other sufferers as his life’s candle began to flicker. Patrick was a bright, bubbly young fellow, who loved sport. He played hurling and football up to the age of 14, and he enjoyed watching boxing and soccer.”