GRIEF-STRICKEN Dr Tony Holohan was mourning his wife Emer last night after she died following a lengthy illness.
Tributes were paid to the well-known medic and mum of two who has been living with and battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, since 2012.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chief Medical Officer and his children Clodagh and Ronan following the sad passing of his wife.
"Dr Emer Holohan made a significant contribution to the health service, including her work on the Health Strategy when I was Minister for Health.
“Tony and his entire family have given so much to this country since the start of the pandemic.”
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly also sent his condolences.
He added: “The thoughts and prayers of Tony’s colleagues in the Department of Health are with Emer’s family, including her parents, siblings and her friends, as indeed are those of many people across the country.”
Emer, who was also a doctor, died at Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, yesterday.
The Chief Medical Officer took a three-month leave of absence last year to care for his wife after she entered palliative care.
The Limerick man has been the face at the front of Ireland’s Covid-19 response for over a year.
He has chaired dozens of press briefings and won plaudits for his composure and straight-talking during a crisis unprecedented in scale and scope.
Labour leader Alan Kelly tweeted: “My deepest sympathies and those of Labour party to Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and his wider family on the passing of his wife Emer. May she rest in peace.”
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said her thoughts were with family and friends “at this very sad time”.
The Irish Cancer Society added the Holohan family “are in our thoughts at this sad time”.
And singer Bressie tweeted his “deepest condolences”.
A private funeral is due to take place for immediate family only due to the current guidelines.
Mass for Dr Emer Holohan (nee Feely), Terenure, will be held at St Pius X Church on Monday at 12.30pm and will be streamed live.
Her family said her request is for family flowers only and donations if desired to Terenure College 6th year GoFundMe campaign in aid of The Irish Cancer Society and Our Lady’s Hospice.
