‘A mighty oak beyond compare’

Remembered widely as an exceptional professional of gentlemanly nature, heartfelt tributes have followed the last death last week of Dr Louis Courtney.

Dr Louis, formerly of Summerhill, Nenagh, served as an obstetrician and gynaecologist in Cavan since 1972, and over the same period served as coroner for North County Tipperary. He died at his home in Farnham St, Cavan town, on March 2, holding the hands of his devoted wife Betty, and surrounded by his loving family.

Dr Louis will be remembered as a dedicated husband and father, and a tireless advocate for women and infant health. Many of those leaving tributes on rip.ie in the days after his death spoke of how the Nenagh doctor safety delivered their babies and said they owned their lives to him.

One – a “grateful mother” from Co Leitrim – told of how Dr Louis cared for her throughout her seven pregnancies, “and all delivered safe and well on his instructions and guidance”. Another recalled how Dr Louis delivered her as one of triplets 45 years ago.

A Longford mother owed the late doctor “a deep debt of gratitude for my two daughters, who without him wouldn't be here today”.

‘PRESERVATION OF THE UNBORN’

Dr Courtney was the first obstetrician appointed in Cavan and he spent 15 years working alone in that role before the appointment of a second consultant. The maternity service that he established at Lisdarn hospital received a special commendation from the Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians in London.

“His dedication and commitment to women’s and infants’ health during his years was exceptional and his legacy will long be remembered,” a tribute from the past and present staff of the Maternity Department in Cavan General Hospital stated. “Women to this day share fondly thier memories of him looking after them with such care and compassion.”

“He worked diligently for the preservation of the unborn and the safety of expectant mothers,” wrote Tommy and Kathleen Fay of Cootehill. “He was an exceptional gynaecologist and physician. He led the anti-abortion campaign with dignity and purpose.”

For Fr Jason Murphy, Dr Louis was “a stalwart and a constant advocate for the right to life of the unborn, and many live because of his tenaciousness”.

A Cavan mother wrote: “I was a young mother to be at a time when it was frowned upon and shameful, but Dr Courtney never made me feel that way.

“He was kind and extremely professional, and made me feel like any other mother in the ward. I was very grateful to him for not feeling judged or ashamed. I will always look back and be grateful to him.”

‘A HERO OF A GYNAECOLOGIST’

Don Mahon paid tribute to the Nenagh doctor as a “hero of a gynaecologist”, while Catherine and Tim McEllistrem of Ballylongford, Co Kerry, invoked Isaiah 61.3 in describing him as an “Oak of Righteousness, strong and enduring and planted by the Lord. A mighty Oak beyond compare.”

Several tributes mentioned how Dr Louis never forgot where he came from and how he would often speak passionately of Dromineer.

“We both remember him very fondly racing Shannon One Designs (SODs) out of Dromineer on Lough Derg,” said John and Adair Leech. “He was a very keen, competitive sailor who always added colour and emotion to racing SODs.”

The committee of Nenagh Boat Club described the deceased as a “staunch member” of the club.

Pauline Flannery stated: “Like all the Courtneys, Louis’ love for Dromineer, the lake and the Shannon flowed through his life.

“Happy sailing now, Louis… off into the sunset.”

KNIGHT OF MALTA

Dr Louis Courtney was a Knight of Malta - KM. “Dr Courtney’s life was marked by devoted service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the care and dignity of others,” a tribute from the Nenagh Order of Malta read. “As a Knight of Malta and an advocate for women’s health, he lived out the values of our Order with faith, humility and generosity.”

In 2007, Dr Louis published the memoirs of his father, also Dr Louis Courtney. He told of his “enchantingly happy childhood” in Nenagh and of going on calls with his father in the book, titled ‘I Go Alone’.

The title comes from an admonition to a student embarking on a medical career, and it became something of a motto for the Courtneys:

“In life and in death, with laughter in my heart, and courage in my soul, I Go Alone.”

Predeceased by his parents Dr Louis & Elizabeth Courtney, and siblings, Eileen, Dr William, Jim and Archbishop Michael, Dr Louis is dearly missed by his wife Betty, his children Danielle, William, Fára, Rebecca, Caitlín, Louis and Jonathan; his sons-in-law Éanna, Gary, Stephen and Kevin; his grandchildren Ned, Ailidh, Emy and Arnie, and his sisters Kathleen and Mary.