Tributes after pioneering Cork fundraiser Micheál Sheridan dies aged 51

In his role with the foundation, he had helped raise millions for the hospital’s cancer services.

His death came less than a week after he spoke movingly about his own health difficulties during an interview as part of Cork 96FM’s annual Giving for Living Radiothon. The charity appeal raised money for cancer services in Cork provided through its five local charity partners, including the Mercy Hospital Foundation, the CUH Charity, Marymount Hospice, ARC Cancer Support House and Breakthrough Cancer Research.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Mercy University Hospital Foundation confirmed Mr Sheridan’s death.

“While no words can adequately express our deep sorrow at losing our leader, the foundation’s team is profoundly grateful for having had the opportunity to know, work with, and learn from Micheál,” a spokesperson said.

“Having worked in the not-for-profit sector in Ireland for over 25 years, Micheál was always passionate about the role that charities play in improving the lives of people across the island of Ireland.

He has had a huge impact across all of the many organisations and projects he was involved in, and leaves behind a tremendous legacy of positivity and change.

“Micheál first joined the foundation in 2007 as its first employee, and saw the foundation grow to become one of the leading hospital foundations in the country.

“In 2021, Micheál left the foundation to become CEO of Irish Community Air Ambulance, where he spent three years.

“In January this year, we were privileged to have Micheál return to the foundation as CEO, and in the short time we had him back, he continued to focus on delivering real, impactful, and positive changes for patients at ‘The Mercy’.” 

Kieran McGeary, chief executive of Cork’s 96 and C103FM, also paid a moving tribute to Mr Sheridan.

“I first met him in late 2007. Both of us were relatively new to our roles,” he said.

“And along with 96FM and C103’s sponsorship and promotions manager at the time, Elaine Fitzgerald, we hatched a plan to launch a three-day annual fundraising appeal: Radiothon.

“Since the first event in 2008, more than €6.5m has been raised — €409,000 of that during the latest Radiothon, which took place on May 23, 24 and 25.

“The beneficiaries are cancer services provided by five local charities in Cork: Marymount Hospice; Cork Arc House Cancer Support Centre; the CUH Charity; Breakthrough Cancer Research; and the Mercy Hospital Foundation.

“Last November, Micheál Sheridan was given his cancer diagnosis after a scan for suspected gallstones.

Within weeks, he was receiving chemotherapy and in a cruel twist of fate, he was benefiting from services and facilities that Radiothon has supported over the years.

In his Radiothon interview with PJ Coogan just last week, Mr Sheridan said prior to his own diagnosis, he would see the money coming in from the event and would know how it was being spent on various projects.

“It’s very different now because I am actually part of those,” he said.

“I’m living proof of the impact the funds people raise through Radiothon has for people in Cork.

“I just think what’s amazing about Radiothon and about your listeners and the team at 96FM is how every year people just dig so deep and make such a difference.

“You don’t know what your prognosis is and I still don’t know. I don’t want to know.

“So you do things like you walk around the house and you look at constellations and you say to your teenage son, if I go, that’s our connection. That’s where I’ll be.” 

Mr McGeary said as Mr Sheridan left the studio, he took his phone out of his pocket, and walked down the stairs at Broadcasting House.

He said: “I watched from a few steps behind as he gazed at the family photo on the lock screen. He said nothing. He didn’t need to. His actions spoke volumes.”

The Irish Community Air Ambulance, which is now known as Critical, said there is “deep sadness” at Mr Sheridan’s passing. 

CEO David Tighe said: “We are all shocked this morning to hear of the passing of Mícheál Sheridan. He worked tirelessly to help communities in Cork and around the country and his work will be remembered by all the volunteers, staff and trustees of Critical. On behalf of the team I would like to express our sincerest condolences to his wife, children, family, friends and his colleagues at the Mercy Hospital Foundation.”

Mr Sheridan is survived by his wife Claire, their four sons Éanna, Rían, Finn and Caelán, his mother Marie, and siblings Darina, Noírín, Sean and Niall.