28 July, 2026
Five hospital wards have been renamed in recognition of staff members whose dedication, compassion and leadership helped shape patient care at St James's Hospital and beyond.
The ward naming ceremony, held on Friday 27 July, brought together families, friends and colleagues to celebrate the lives and achievements of five individuals whose contributions left a lasting legacy across nursing, medicine, surgery and support services.
The renaming followed a comprehensive nomination and selection process and formed part of the hospital's St James's Day celebrations.
The newly named wards honour:
Prof. John Prichard (RIP)
Ms Sheila Clarke (RIP)
Prof. Eilis McGovern
Prof. Fiona Mulcahy
Mrs Carole Keena (RIP)
Prof. John Prichard was one of the first consultants appointed to St James's Hospital in the 1970s. A pioneering respiratory physician, he played a key role in developing the hospital's respiratory and bronchoscopy services, helped establish the hospital as a major Trinity College Dublin teaching site and led internationally published research.
Ms Sheila Clarke, a pioneer of Haematology and Cncology nursing in Ireland, spent 34 years at St James's Hospital. Renowned for her leadership, compassionate patient care and commitment to mentoring future generations of nurses, she made a significant contribution to cancer services both locally and nationally.
Prof. Eilis McGovern, a Consultant Cardiothoracic surgeon appointed in 1987, she established the Keith Shaw Unit, Ireland's third public Cardiac Unit, in 2000. Prof. McGovern later became the first female President of Royal College of Surgeons Ireland..
Prof. Fiona Mulcahy, Ireland's first consultant specialising in HIV/AIDS, established the Department of Genitourinary Medicine at St James's Hospital in 1987 and built an internationally recognised reputation in the field.
Mrs Carole Keena worked in the hospital's catering department for a total of 17 years. Remembered for her kindness, compassion and person-centred approach, she made a lasting impact on patients through simple acts of care and dignity.
Celebrating Service Past and Present:
Minister of State, Catherine Ardagh TD, attended the ceremony, highlighting the importance of recognising those who dedicated their careers to caring for patients and supporting the local community.
"These dedicated people gave decades of service to the patients of St James's Hospital and to the wider community. St James's is part of the fabric of local life in Dublin 8 and today is a chance to recognise the people who gave so much back to it," Minister Ardagh said.
As patients, visitors and staff pass through these newly named wards in the years ahead, they will serve as a lasting reminder of the people whose dedication, expertise and compassion helped define the hospital's proud tradition of care.