Renowned cancer study pioneer passes away

Internationally renowned cancer research pioneer Professor Gerry O’Sullivan has died.

The consultant surgeon, 65, died at the Mercy Hospital in Cork where he established and led the Cancer Research Centre since it opened in 1999.

His research in areas such as stomach cancer was celebrated by his peers across the world and was a source of pride in his native Caheragh outside Skibereen.

He had been sick for some time and leaves behind his wife Breda and children Orla, Gearoid and Eoghan.

Prof O’Sullivan graduated from UCC in 1969 and trained in both America and Ireland before returning to Cork to take up a consultant suregon’s post at the Mercy Hospital in 1980.

He became the first Cork-based medic to be made president of the Royal College of Surgeons and went on to lead the European Surgical Association.

He wrote or co-wrote more than 200 papers and held eight patents for pioneering developments. His achievements, and that of his research centre, were lauded around the world.

In 2008 he was awarded an honorary fellowship by the American College of Surgeons in San Francisco.

The citation read at the prestigious event praised his innovation:

“Professor O’Sullivan’s investigative studies, creative thinking and provocative lectures have had a profound impact on Irish, European, and American surgery,” it said.

Sandra Daly, CEO of the Mercy University Hospital, said: “On behalf of the hospital we would like to extend our deepest condolences to Prof O’ Sullivan’s wife Breda, his daughter Orla, and sons Gearoid and Eoghan, as well as the extended family at this sad time.”