The death has occurred of highly-regarded Portlaoise GP Dr Hugh Maguire (85) on July 15.
Requiem mass was celebrated on Monday in the Church of the Assumption, followed by interment afterwards in SS Peter and Paul’s cemetery Portlaoise.
The late Dr Maguire was a GP in Portlaoise for over forty years, having moved to the town to take up his first post as a Family doctor.
Dr Maguire initially worked with the late Dr Dwan before setting up his own independent medical practice after Dr Dwan passed away.
He built a very successful and busy practice in Portlaoise. In 1962 he married his late wife, Helen, a native of Kilkenny who worked as a radiographer in Portlaoise Hospital. She passed away in June, 2012 and left a great void in his life after some 50 years together.
He was proud to say that he had treated three generations of many local families. He loved the interaction with the people of Portlaoise and made many life long friends here.
His eldest son Capt Hugh Maguire, a commercial pilot, told Laois Today that his father “was one of the most well-liked GPs in the town.
“He was a great believer in giving of his time. It was never a case of five minutes in and out. If someone needed an hour, then they got an hour. He always said the greatest gift you can give is your time and he gave of his time very generously to all his patients”.
The late Dr Maguire was known to have a fantastic bedside manner and he made many loyal friends through his work.
Outside of his work, he played golf at the Heath Golf Club.
He also greatly enjoyed walks in nature, undoubtedly giving him an opportunity to switch off from the stresses and strains that comes with being a GP. In particular, he liked walking in Stradbally Woods and Ballyfin.
Retirement
His retirement 15 years ago give him extra time to enjoy golf at the Heath Golf Club and walks in the local countryside as well as affording him the opportunity to indulge in his love of classical music and reading.
He also greatly enjoyed holidays in Ireland and abroad with his late wife.
His retirement also gave him time to enjoy time with his four grandchildren, and allowed him devote extra time to his extended family.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Helen and infant son Brian, he is sadly missed by his loving children, Hugh, David, and Helen, sister Eileen, brother-in-law Jack, daughters-in-law, Derval and Bernadette and grandchildren Louise, Fionn, Hugh and Briain.
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