Patrick O’Donovan back in Limerick hospital as Tánaiste says minister is in ‘good spirits’

The 49-year-old is on medical leave, with Simon Harris saying his treatment may require hospital visits and observations

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan during a press conference at Government Buildings in Dublin, following the Budget 2027. Picture date: Wednesday October 7, 2026.

Media minister Patrick O’Donovan is back in Limerick hospital.

It is understood that Mr O’Donovan, aged 49, was admitted to University Hospital Limerick on Thursday evening.

He remained in hospital on Friday.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said he had spoken to Mr O’Donovan and his family, adding that the minister was in “good spirits”.

“Out of respect to Patrick. I’m not going to give a running commentary on his health, other than to say it is a statement of fact that he’s on leave for medical reasons at the moment,” the Fine Gael leader said.

He said Mr O’Donovan’s family had previously indicated that his new treatment would take time to bed down and could require hospital observations or medical attention from time to time.

“So while he may be back in hospital now, it is part of his ongoing treatment of bedding down,” he said.

Asked to confirm that Mr O’Donovan was in hospital, Mr Harris said that was his belief.

“As of earlier, I'm not sure, all I can tell you is that I spoke to Patrick. I spoke to Patrick. He's in good spirits.”

Last month, Mr O’Donovan took ill during an EU telecommunications ministers’ meeting at the University of Limerick. 

He was subsequently taken to UHL, where he spent several days in intensive care.

More to follow.