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You are > Home > Claremorris shock in aftermath of Boston shooting tragedy
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Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Claremorris shock in aftermath of Boston shooting tragedy
By: Michael Commins
THE prominent Irish cardiologist who was shot dead at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston last Tuesday was a nephew of well known Claremorris business man, Paddy Smyth.
Dr. Brian McGovern (47) was son of the former Josephine (Jo) Smyth from Brickens and news of the tragedy came as a great shock to the Smyth family in the Claremorris area. Brian was predeceased by his father Philip, an accountant in Dublin, some years ago. It is understood that he was shot at the hospital’s Cardiac and Electro-physiology Lab by a woman who worked in the hospital and who then shot herself dead.
A regular visitor to Claremorris, Brian had a great fondness for the home county of his mother.
He visited Paddy and Birdie and family only last year. He also met up with his good friend Christy Foster and they reminisced about previous visits to Claremorris in his youth.
Said Christy: “Brian was a grand lad. He had a great interest in dogs and greyhounds and I brought him on many walks up the bog road when I’d be out with the dogs. He used to love his visits to Claremorris as a young lad and the place was always close to his heart. He called to see me last summer. I got an awful land when I heard the news. It’s shocking.”
His uncle Paddy Smyth said Brian was one of nature’s gentlemen. “He was a gifted doctor who retained the common touch. We used to love to see him come visiting. He was regarded as one of the best in his field and used to give lectures around America and Europe. Everyone is upset over this senseless tragedy.”
Paddy’s wife, Birdie, and their son, Anthony, are in Boston for the funeral ceremonies this week.
Brian was one of two children born to Philip and Jo McGovern in Sutton, Dublin. His other brother Pat is a partner in the Arthur Cox firm in Dublin. Educated in Dublin, he emigrated to America where he made rapid progress to become an eminent and greatly regarded doctor.
Brian is deeply regretted by his Anne (also a doctor) and their two daughters, mother Jo McGovern (Dublin), brother Pat, the Smyth family, relatives, colleagues and friends.
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