Dr Derry Gleeson. R.I.P.
The death has occurred, aged 88, of Tipperary born Dr Derry Gleeson, at Bishopscourt Residential Care Home, Liskillea Waterfall, Co. Cork.
Born in 1922 in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Dr Gleeson was the son of Local Government Inspector Jeremiah Gleeson and his wife Mary. At the age of nine he moved with his family to County Cork where he was educated at the Presentation College, making the senior cup team and matriculating at just 15 years old. He went on to enter University College Cork’s medical school and later was elected president of the college’s Students’ Council, before graduating in 1944, aged just 22 years old.
Dr Gleeson began his medical career as an intern at Sheffield Royal Infirmary, (which closed in 1980,) later returning to Ireland to take up an appointment in obstetrics at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin. In 1952 he was appointed dispensary doctor in Labesheeda, Kildysart,in Co Clare, and in 1955, appointed dispensary doctor in Ballylinan, in Co Laois.
Dr Gleeson was particularly well known in rugby circles as an Ireland and Munster rugby selector, as well as being a past President of the Irish Medical Association, a former Vice-Chairman of the Irish Medical Council from 1984 to 1989 and President of the Irish Medical Association’s delegation to China in 1976/77.
Dr Gleeson played rugby with Clontarf FC, Athy FC, and UCC rugby club, latter of which he was President from 1975 to 1977. He was a Munster Rugby selector during the 1960’s and an Irish selector from 1969 to 1972. Dr Gleeson was also a well known member of both Cork and Waterville Golf Links.
Pre-deceased by his wife Margie, (née O’Gorman) Dr Gleeson will be sadly missed, yet lovingly remembered by his family, his many friends, neighbours and former patients.
The body of Dr Gleeson remains in repose at the Wilton Funeral Home, Sarsfield Road, Cork with removal this Monday evening at 6.30pm to St Joseph’s (SMA) Church, Wilton. Requiem Mass will be held at 11.00am on Tuesday with funeral afterwards to St. Olives Cemetery, Model Farm Road, Cork.
Note: Family flowers only with donations, if desired, to Cork Alzheimer’s Home Support or the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
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