Confrère Professor Richard Conroy, GCHS died on 14th October 2024, in Blackrock Clinic after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his late wife Dame Pamela, DHS in 2005.
Richard was born in Birmingham where his father was the Head of the Department of Spanish at a University there. When Richard was just five, they moved back to Ireland and he was educated at Blackrock College Dublin achieving high grades which enabled him to study medicine at The Royal College of Surgeons during which time he met his future wife, Dr Pamela (nee Murphy).
He graduated with honours, excelled in his further studies and work practice. He was renowned and greatly respected in his profession, earning a PhD for his research and published work in Circadian Rythmns and was duly appointed Professor of Physiology and Patron of the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin and Chair of Tallaght Hospital Board.
Confrère Richard made a significant contribution to political life and was first elected to the Dail and subsequently to the Seanad on three occasions. Additionally, he had a passion for mining and exploration and became a very successful mining executive, establishing the world renowned Conroy Petroleum and Natural Resources company of which he was a Director. Richard also had a love of nature and wildlife, in particular protected and endangered birds. He was proud to have been able to purchase the Stags of Broadhaven a group of five steep rocky islands off the Coast of North Mayo, home to the onlu beeding colony of protected Leach’s storm petrels in Ireland.
We remember Richard as a deeply religious man, who was very active in Order activities and also a Council Member. He attended events in Ireland and participated in Order Pilgrimages to Rome, Cyprus and the Holy Land. He was a Pilgrim Shell recipient. Confrère Richard will be greatly missed by us all; especially by his two daughters Dr Sorca and Dr Deirdre, DHS a member of the Northeastern Lieutenancy of the US and our Consœur Dame Maureen Jones, DGHS a life long family friend, business associate and long-term partner.