Glowing tributes to Mayo-born nurse who was the 'beating heart' of SUH
Deirdre Staunton was hugely respected in the nursing profession in Sligo and nationally.
Huge crowds turned out in Sligo town last Friday afternoon for the funeral of a Mayo-born nurse who was described as “the beating heart” of Sligo University Hospital.
Foxford native Deirdre Staunton, who was aged just 53, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, after a two-and-a-half-year battle against lung cancer, fought with typical determination, courage and dignity. She is mourned by her husband Chris Donaghy, children Meadhbh, Eoghan and Conor, parents Michael and Mary, brother Kieran, extended family, work colleagues and many, many friends.
Deirdre was renowned as an expert in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and trained countless nurses in Sligo and at other medical facilities across the country. Indeed, the systems she introduced at Sligo University Hospital became the accepted model nationally, and the respect in which she was held in the nursing profession was reflected in the awarding of an honorary doctorate by University of Galway last summer after she was forced to take early retirement due to her illness.
Born in Foxford in March 1970, Deirdre was educated at the local national school and St Joseph’s Secondary School before following in the footsteps of her mother, Castlebar native Mary, and maternal grandmother by embarking on a career in nursing.
If anyone was born to be a nurse it was Deirdre Staunton and the countless tributes that have been posted on social media sites since her untimely passing reflect the esteem in which she was held by her colleagues in Sligo and nationwide.
“I had the privilege of working closely with Deirdre for over 25 years,” wrote well-known Sligo-based Dr Fergal Hickey in an online tribute. “Very few I’ve ever met have had the same profound positive impact on all those around her as Deirdre had. Her infectious enthusiasm, care for people, professionalism, commitment and zest for life and living made her one of a kind. She will be so deeply missed by so many people.”
Others described Deirdre as an “inspirational teacher” whose “energy, knowledge, enthusiasm, passion, vision and reach for excellence never waned”.
“Deirdre is an irreplaceable person of great integrity, fun and professionalism,” wrote one colleague. “She was a fabulous person, a wonderful nurse, always focused on the patients, her kindness and care was exceptional. Deirdre was inspirational in all her endeavours.”
Away from her day job, Deirdre was involved in countless community initiatives in Sligo, but particularly in drama, and was the driving force behind the annual pantomimes staged by hospital staff, which raised funds for numerous local causes. Indeed, her family and friends estimated that she raised an incredible €250,000 for various charities during her lifetime.
In a tribute, the Hawk’s Well Theatre stated: "The lights at the Hawk's Well are a bit dimmer today as we think about the massive loss to Sligo's community that was Deirdre Staunton. Deirdre was directly responsible for the Hospital panto and a person who brought so much joy to others. Hers indeed was a life of service.”
Pop Up Theatre Sligo commented: “How lucky we were to know such an incredible formidable force of nature. Deirdre Staunton, a passionate theatre lover, director, philanthropist and family woman. An inspiration to us all.”
The huge attendance at Deirdre’s funeral at St Joseph’s Church in Ballytivnan reflected the extraordinary impact she had on her adopted community of Sligo. Mourners talked of her incessant energy with one friend remarking that “Deirdre only started living at the same pace as everyone else when she became ill”.
Her daughter Meadhbh, who is carrying on the family tradition of nursing, gave a remarkable eulogy that drew a deserved standing ovation from the packed congregation. Meadhbh recalled her mother’s tireless devotion to family and marvelled at the fact that she had packed so much into her 53 years.
The outpouring of emotion among mourners was evidence of the profound impact Deirdre Staunton had on the many people she encountered on her all-too-brief journey through life. The heartfelt sympathy of the people of Sligo and Foxford, as well as countless others across Ireland and overseas, is extended to Deirdre’s heartbroken family. If it is of any consolation, Deirdre has left an outstanding legacy that most people could not hope to achieve in 100 years, let alone a mere 53. She truly was one of a kind.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
- J.L.
