Roscommon hospital campaigner fondly remembered

A prominent Roscommon health campaigner, election candidate and footballer is being fondly remembered as a “true Rossie who gave a lifetime of service to Roscommon and its people” and was a “great advocate for healthcare in the community”.

John McDermott, who was chairperson of the Roscommon Hospital Action Committee for over ten years, was the main face of the campaign to retain and improve services in Roscommon hospital over many years.

Prior to, and after the closure of the Emergency Department in 2011, he led public meetings and protests in Athlone, Roscommon town and across the county, in a bid to keep the issue on the political agenda.

He later contested the 2011 general election as a HAC candidate in Roscommon/South Leitrim garnering 3,770 first preferences, running again in 2014 in a by-election in a bid to ensure that the hospital was safeguarded and improved.

“He will be remembered for his commitment to the campaign to retain and develop hospital services for the people of county Roscommon. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” Roscommon Hospital Action Committee said in a condolence on the rip.ie website.

Roscommon TD Denis Naughten, who resigned from Fine Gael following the downgrading of Roscommon Hospital, said he was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of John McDermott, who he said will be remembered for his commitment to local health services.

“I also had the privilege of working closely with John to secure the future of services at Roscommon University Hospital when he offered me his support during recent general elections.

“That work continued over a recent years, particularly on a number of health related projects including the EmCall app which will be John’s lasting legacy. Indeed, his commitment to health services throughout the county will be remembered by all,” the TD said.

The Roscommon man also developed the EmCall App, a community emergency response system that provides a medical intervention (CPR and defibrillation) to cardiac arrest victims within 4/5 minutes.

Roscommon Rapid Response Group described John as a “great advocate for health care in the community, who worked tirelessly to achieve a cohesive rapid response system for the whole county. His energy and enthusiasm will be sadly missed.”

Other condolences paid tribute to Mr McDermott, who worked for Roscommon VEC for 25 years later working as a self-employed community facilitator, as a “true Rossie”, a gentleman, “ a wonderful community person” and a “great goalkeeper”.

On the GAA field, Mr McDermott of Bohergarve, Roscommon town, was a netminder on the famous Roscommon senior team who dominated the provincial scene during the 1970s and reached the All Ireland Final in 1980.

His club Roscommon Gaels paid a warm tribute to John, a member of the 1972 team who won the Roscommon championship that year.

He died suddenly but peacefully, at his home in Roscommon town on December 28.

Beloved husband of Mary and adored Dad of Ken, Andrea, Niamh and Alex. He will be sadly missed by his loving family, brother Peter and his wife Ann, son-in-law Noel, daughter-in-law Caroline, cherished grandchildren Leah, Grace, Zoe and baby Abby, mother-in-law Rita Keane, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Following his reposing at Smyth's Funeral Home on December 31, he was laid to rest the following day in St Coman's Cemetery after Mass of the Resurrection in the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon town.