Costs blow to woman who tried to sue Dr Neary

A woman who lost the right to sue disgraced Drogheda obstetrician Dr Michael Neary was facing massive legal costs tonight.

Rosemary Cunningham, of Kingscourt in Cavan, had costs awarded against her in the Supreme Court today.

The dental assistant had won the right to sue Dr Neary in the High Court last year for removing her left ovary at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Louth in 1991.

But Dr Neary appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled on Tuesday that Ms Cunningham’s claim was statute barred.

Dr Neary was struck off the doctors’ register by the Medical Council in July last year. He was found guilty of professional misconduct for removing the wombs of 10 patients. Between 60 and 70 former patients of Dr Neary are taking court cases against him.

The Patient Focus group said the decision to award costs against Ms Cunningham had affected its members.

Chairwoman Shelia O’Connor said: “Most of the women will continue with their cases but it has added an enormous amount of stress to them and their families,”

Speaking on RTÉ radio, she called on Health Minister Micheal Martin to pay Ms Cunningham’s costs, which are likely to be up to €50,000.

“I don’t think it is too much to ask. Micheal Martin understands the trauma these women have experienced. He is a man of humanity as we know from speaking to him and I’m just asking him again to help Rosemary Cunningham.”