A popular and well respected former doctor turned barrister will be laid to rest tomorrow following his tragic death on Monday.
Dr Ross O’Driscoll, a single man in his 50’s, died in a accident on his farm at Ballymalone, Tuamgraney in east Clare on Monday.
It’s understood that his shotgun discharged accidentally and fatally wounded the popular community man. It’s believed he was trying to clear dogs off his lands.
Gardaí have confirmed that they are treating the death as a tragic accident.
Originally from Salthill in Galway, Dr O’Driscoll moved to work as a GP in Clare almost 30 years ago before giving up his practice to pursue a career in law.
Dr O’Driscoll was originally from Salthill in Galway but moved to work as a GP in Clare almost 30 years ago before giving up his practice to pursue a career in law.
Local Parish Priest Fr Donagh O’Meara described Dr O’Driscoll as a ‘great human being.’
“Ross will be an awful loss because he was very good to people. He was a very good guy and a very kind man. Even though he gave up his medical practice some years ago, he would still help people if they came to him,” Fr O’Meara said.
“He had a wonderful way of bringing people together. He was a barrister and sheep farmer and invited locals to a sheep shearing exhibition he held every year on his farm. He will be sadly missed by a lot of people,” he added.
Killaloe area member of Clare County Council Joe Cooney, who also knew Dr O’Driscoll, said he was a ‘kind and gentle man.’
“Ross was very popular and will be sadly missed by a lot of people in the east Clare area. He came to Clare from Galway about 30 years ago and work as a doctor for much of that. He was a very intelligent and helpful community man. His death has shocked the entire community and he will be sadly missed,” Cllr Cooney added.
Dr O’Driscoll’s funeral Mass will take place in St Josephs Church, Tuamgraney at midday today with burial afterwards in St Coolan’s Cemetery, Tuamgraney.
He is survived by his sisters Kathleen, Maureen and Angela along with his brothers, Kieran, Ronan and Aenid.
Dr O’Driscoll’s funeral Mass will take place in St Josephs Church, Tuamgraney at midday today (Thursday) with burial afterwards in St Coolan’s Cemetery, Tuamgraney.
He is survived by his sisters Kathleen, Maureen and Angela along with his brothers, Kieran, Ronan and Aenid.
Among the tributes to Dr O’Driscoll on the Irish Times family notice section were:
“Remember Ross as a true gentleman, a great friend and colleague. He will be much missed.”
“You touched all of our lives, Ross. Rest in Peace from your Galway friends.”
“Have very fond memories of Ross sincere sympathies to all the family.”