Celebrating a Lifetime of Service: Dr Seamus O’Dea Retires from Cherry Orchard Hospital
Cherry Orchard, Dublin, Friday 4 July 2025
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Dr Seamus O’Dea and family at Cherry Orchard Hospital on Friday 4 July.
Cherry Orchard Hospital celebrated the retirement of one of its most respected and beloved figures, Dr Seamus O’Dea, on Friday 4 July. The event marked the end of an extraordinary 46 year career in medicine, during which Dr O’Dea served with distinction, compassion and unwavering commitment to patients, staff and the wider community.
From his first day at Cherry Orchard Hospital in 1979, Dr O’Dea dedicated his career to improving the lives of others. He began his journey in medicine and qualified as a doctor in 1976. Following internships at Tullamore and Vincent’s Hospitals, he brought his medical expertise and a remarkable empathy developed through personal experience to Cherry Orchard.
Throughout the decades, Dr O’Dea not only witnessed but led transformations in the Irish healthcare landscape. From managing outbreaks such as salmonella in 1982 to supporting psychiatric and older adult care through major national and international crises, his leadership was steadfast and deeply compassionate.
One of Dr O’Dea’s many remarkable contributions came through his specialist training in tropical medicine. As he recounted: “Not long after I started at Cherry Orchard, a young boy admitted with suspected chickenpox didn’t look right… I recognised signs of myiasis from my diploma in tropical medicine. It proved how valuable that training could be.”
Beyond his clinical skills, Dr O’Dea’s mentorship and collaboration with staff across all departments made a profound and lasting impact. He worked alongside former Ministers, microbiologists, nurses and residents, many of whom paid tribute to his empathy, integrity and sense of humour.
A message from nursing colleagues stated: “Dr O’Dea… your calm, caring manner alongside your diligent communication skills has rightly earned you the immense respect and affection of staff, residents and families alike. Your absence in CoH will be profound, but your legacy of work here should and never will be forgotten.”
Colleague Edel Carey, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, said: “There will never be another doctor like you. Your humanity and compassion have left a mark that can never be measured but that will always be felt.”
Residents and their families echoed this sentiment:
“Dr O’Dea is always there to help us and make sure that all patients are okay… I wish him all the best in the world.” – Mary Brennan, Resident
“Our family owes a big depth of gratitude… we have all experienced his kindness and gentleness.” – Dónal and Anne
In 2007, Dr O’Dea oversaw the opening of new modernised Cherry Orchard Hospital units, a project he championed as a significant step forward in patient dignity and care. Reflecting on his career, he noted: “It’s not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about a complete shift in ethos.”
As Dr O’Dea retires, his influence continues through the values he instilled in others: care, trust, compassion and learning. His story stands as a powerful reminder of what a life of public service can achieve, not only within hospital walls but in the lives of all those he touched.
From all at Cherry Orchard Hospital: Mile Buíochas, Dr O’Dea.
View a slide show of images from the retirement of Dr O'Dea.
