McDERMOTT, Enda

McDERMOTT - Enda (Donnybrook, Dublin 4). As we remember Enda on the First Anniversary of his sudden death, we wish to sincerely thank all those who sympathised and supported us as we tried to come to terms with the loss of a man at the height of his powers as a gifted surgeon, educator and mentor but most of all as a dearly loved husband to Annette, father to Sarah, Aisling, Conor, Brian, Eoin and Emma, grandfather to Sophia, Dylan, Cillian, Evin, William and Cian and beloved member of the extended McDermott, O’Beirne, Devery and Mongan families. We extend our grateful thanks to the Good Samaritans, colleagues and paramedics who first came to his aid, and to the medical teams at St Vincent’s Hospital and Beaumont Hospital who used the same professional expertise and deep empathy that Enda had gifted to others during his long career, to care for him during his final days. Enda’s colleagues remained a special source of support during the days to follow. Despite the Covid restrictions, we are immensely grateful that so many of them, and of our relatives, friends and neighbours, were able to participate, with great consideration, in Enda’s funeral in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook. It would be impossible to mention everyone, but we particularly remember the guards of honour from St Vincent’s Hospital, St Michael’s College, and from his neighbours and friends. Monsignor Andrew Summersgill and all of those who participated in the Requiem Mass, both inside and outside the church and online, and at Enda’s graveside in Kilternan, gave us great comfort, as did the eulogies from his family, friends, and colleagues. Alan Fanagan and his colleagues in Fanagans Funeral Directors guided us throughout with compassion and professionalism. Our special thanks go to Rob Treloar who made it possible for Sarah’s family in Australia, as well as other family and friends based at home and overseas, to participate as fully as possible in Enda’s final journey.

Enda always valued his roots in Oldcastle, Co Meath and we are grateful to all those who joined us there before the funeral to pay a final tribute. He would have appreciated it more than you can know. In the weeks that followed, we were greatly comforted by the many thoughtful messages of condolence from friends, colleagues, and students, and most especially from so many of Enda’s patients. We hope they know that he considered it a unique privilege to care for them. Among his many gifts, Enda had a great gift for friendship. He made and retained deep friendships throughout his life and we know that he is deeply missed.

Our extended family and our friends remain our rock and our support.

Death leaves a heartache

no one can heal,

Love leaves a memory

no one can steal.