The popular nurse has been remembered as “a carer at heart, with a gift for knowing when those around him needed a word or a call to lift their spirits”
15:05, 06 Mar 2026Updated 11:34, 08 Mar 2026
Joe Dunne, a dad-of-three and highly regarded nurse from Co Laois who died suddenly earlier this week
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a ‘devoted’ dad-of-three and a ‘highly-regarded’ nurse from Co Laois who passed away suddenly earlier this week.
Joe Dunne, from Rossmore in Ballyfin, died suddenly on Monday (March 2) after he “suffered a terrible injury as a result of an accident”.
Joe was a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Emergency Department at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
A death notice shared on RIP.ie stated that the young dad-of-three will be “sadly missed and dearly loved by his heartbroken wife Helen, children Chloe, Joe and Conor, brother Eamon (Sammy), sisters Anne (O’Rourke), Chris (Byrne), and Theresa (Ramsbottom), father-in-law Joe Quigley, sisters-in-law Nuala, Ann Marie, and Sarah, brothers-in-law Alan, John, Paul, Brendan and Joe, his adored nieces and nephews, aunt Sheila, cousins and his wide circle of friends and nursing colleagues.”
Joe trained as a nurse at TUS Athlone and over the years, he also served with dedication at St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore and the Regional Hospital Mullingar, where he was highly regarded by colleagues and patients alike.
Joe was a valued member of the Irish Association of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners (IAANMP), with the association sharing a moving tribute to the Laois native.
“It is with profound sadness that the Irish Association of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners (IAANMP) has learned of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner Joe Dunne of Rossmore, Ballyfin, Co. Laois,” the IAANMP said in a statement.
“His warm demeanour, clinical expertise, and collegial spirit enriched the lives of patients, families, and fellow practitioners alike. Joe’s professional contributions have left an enduring impact on the community he served and on the broader advanced practice nursing landscape in Ireland.
“He was known among colleagues for his integrity, humility, and generous spirit. His calm presence and sound clinical judgement made a lasting impression on those privileged to work alongside him.
“Beyond his professional life, Joe was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He is deeply mourned by his loving wife Helen, his children Chloe, Joe and Conor, his siblings Eamon (Sammy), Anne, Chris and Theresa, and his extended family, colleagues, and wide circle of friends. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
“On behalf of IAANMP, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dÃlis.”
Joe was hugely popular within the local community and was heavily involved with the local GAA club, Ballyfin GAA, who shared a moving tribute to the dad-of-three on their social media pages.
“We awoke on Sunday morning to the heartbreaking news the Joe had suffered a terrible injury as a result of an accident,” the club said.
“As is the nature of such tragic situations, as news filtered through, first there was no hope, then hope, then no hope again, and we were left with the realisation of the enormity of the situation. We were going to lose Joe.
“Joe was a radiant light in a world where lights can at times feel rare. He brightened every and any room he entered with a joke, or a slag for divilment followed quickly by his cheeky laugh..often singing the particular line of divilment…all situations could be sorted out with some humour.
“A dedicated father and family man & great with his hands, he could turn to any job, whether on the farm or with his carpentry, always willing to help others.”
The club went on praise Joe’s selflessness, describing him as “a carer at heart, with a gift for knowing when those around him needed a word or a call to lift their spirits”.
“He found his true calling in his profession in nursing, his reputation spreading across the Midlands as that male nurse from Ballyfin who, in Tullamore & Portlaoise hospitals, put everyone at ease and looked after them and their loved ones with the greatest of professional care & good humour,” they said.
“Not content to stand still he furthered himself to completing his masters and being recently awarded the title Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
“A huge loss to his profession, his colleagues, Ballyfin community, Ballyfin GAA, his friends and ultimately his adoring family, he was loved by all, young and old.
“Our heartfelt, deepest sympathies, love and support continue to go to his wife Helen, his children Chloe, young Joe and Conor, his brother Sammy, sisters Anne, Chris & Teresa and extended family & countless friends at this tragic time.”
The club have suspended all activities until after the weekend as a mark of respect to the popular nurse.
Joe’s funeral mass will be held at St. Fintan’s Church in Ballyfin at 2pm this afternoon (Sunday, March 8), followed by Burial in St. Fintan’s Cemetery, Ballyfin.
Ballyfin GAA will hold a Guard of Honour at Joe’s funeral as a mark of respect.
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