News

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan returns to work

The State’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan has returned to work this week.

Dr Holohan’s wife Dr Emer Feely passed away in February after a long battle with a terminal form of blood cancer.

Dr Holohan returned to work on Monday but it has only being revealed today by the Department of Health that he has resumed his duties.

Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer became a well-known figure during the first wave of Covid-19 when he delivered the daily briefings held at the Department of Health. Dr. Ronan Glynn became the acting CMO following Dr. Holohan announcement in early July that he was going on leave to help take care of his wife as she entered palliative care.

Dr Holohan then returned to his role in October before going on leave again following the death of his wife. Dr Glynn once again returned as acting CMO in the interim.

The return of the State’s CMO coincides with a reduction in the number of daily Covid-19 cases and people in hospital with the virus. There is a big review of easing of restrictions to take place in the coming weeks.

All the latest news