Dr. Patricia Sheahan has been named the 2020 Kerry Person of the Year by the Kerry Association in Dublin.
Listowel native, Dr. Sheahan has been recognised for her outstanding dedication and commitment to cancer patients in Kerry, and her tireless efforts in providing one of the country’s most highly regarded palliative care service units.
Dr. Sheahan has worked as a palliative medicine consultant in Kerry for the past 17 years, while also developing a fully integrated palliative care service for the people of Kerry, alongside Kerry Hospice Foundation.
She is highly regarded by her colleagues, patients and their families, as well as the wider community of Kerry and West Cork, where she also leads a community palliative care team.
Making the announcement, Kerry Association Chairperson, Keelin Kissane, noted that the 2020 winner has touched the lives of most families in the county and those families attest to her extraordinary sensitivity & compassion, going above & beyond the call of duty.
The Kerry Person of the Year award, which is now in its 41st year, dates back to 1979 when Dr Michael Carmody became its inaugural winner. Its list of high-profile winners makes it one of the most sought-after accolades for any Kerry person. Photo: John Cleary