Wed. Oct 21st, 2026

UPDATE: Limerick Cllr shares update on Patrick O’Donovan’s recovery

ByKerry Sheehan

21 October 2026
Update shared on Minister Patrick O’Donovan's health. Photo: Wikimedia CommonsUpdate shared on Minister Patrick O’Donovan's health. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Fine Gael TD is on the road to recovery after a recent suspected seizure

PATRICK O’Donovan is improving following his hospitalisation last week, according to the Newcastle West councillor Liam Galvin.

Cllr Galvin told the Limerick Voice he had received the update this morning from the minister’s father-in-law, Stephen Keary.

“Patrick is a great friend of mine. I’m very glad to hear he’s improving. He’s dedicated his life to politics and he’s a great politician,” Galvin shared.

O’Donovan was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Tuesday, October 13, after falling ill with a suspected seizure while attending a meeting of the European Union telecommunications ministers at the University of Limerick. 

In a statement posted to O’Donovan’s Instagram account on Friday evening (October 16), his family gave an update on his current condition, saying, “Patrick’s interdisciplinary team at University Hospital Limerick are working with him to ensure his return to his department as soon as new treatment has bedded down.”

His family added that he was “heartened by the support for his long-term cabinet career demonstrated by his colleagues.” 

While this statement did not specify when O’Donovan would be returning to his ministerial duties, Cllr Galvin expressed his hope for O’Donovan to focus on himself and his family, saying, “Now he needs to look after himself and look after his health and his three beautiful children. He’s a great man and I have great time for him.” 

Galvin said he hoped to see O’Donovan soon and pass on the well wishes he had heard from people locally. 

The Limerick Voice contacted O’Donovan’s team seeking an update on his condition and any sign of when he might return to work. No response has been received at this time. 

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.