A graduate of University of Galway, Professor Finnegan spent the early stages of his career in Birmingham. Where he was involved in seminal work in the development of long-term oxygen therapy which included use of the first prototype concentrator in the early 1970s. The safe prescription of oxygen therapy, nowadays taken for granted, owes much to those ground breaking advances.

On his return to Galway in 1976 Prof Finnegan applied his skills to the management of patients across the spectrum of respiratory disease. He was a pioneer in the development of non-invasive ventilation, and developed the first home-based NIV programme in Ireland, predating similar programmes elsewhere.

As lecturer, then Professor and later Dean, Professor Finnegan has contributed enormously to the development of the Medical School in Galway. Under his direction the Faculty expanded to embrace Nursing and the Allied Health Professions. Prof Finnegan is widely regarded for his role as teacher and mentor to generations of Irish medical graduates.

Prof Finnegan was a key figure in the development of the Irish Thoracic Society. In 1985, when the Society evolved from what was previously the Irish Tuberculosis and Thoracic Society and joined forces with members of the Ulster Thoracic Society to become an all-island body, Professor Finnegan was elected as its first President. Prof Finnegan’s retirement has been no less productive. As an author, he wrote a number of books including The Case of the Craughwell Prisoners during the Land War in Co Galway, 1879–85 and Loughrea, That Den of Infamy, the Land War in Co Galway 1878–82 were bestsellers in their genre.

Peacefully and surrounded by family at Bon Secours Care Village, Mount Desert, Lee Road Cork.

 

Pre-deceased by his beloved wife Máire, and sisters Alice (Tyrrell), Mary and brother Paul.

 

A wonderful father to his adored children, Emer, Nuala and Niall, and dearly beloved husband of the late Máire. Cherished by his daughter-in-law Carmel, sons-in-law, John and Jonathan and his loving grandchildren Cian, Conor, Cillian, Eoghan, Oisín and Liadan.

 

Deeply mourned by his sister, Anne O’Máille and brother-in law Ger; brothers and sisters-in-law, Pat Walsh, Donal Murphy, Luke O’Malley, Patricia O’Malley, Catherine O’Malley; and the many nieces and nephews who were frequent visitors at Ard Caoin in Knocknacarra. Sadly missed also by Marianne Ten Cate, his extended circle of friends as well as former colleagues at Galway University Hospital and the University of Galway.

 

The family are enormously grateful to his former carer Mandy Chabale, the staff at Galway Centre for Independent Living, and all at Mount Desert who cared for Pat with such generosity and kindness.

 

Tuesday 9 December 2025 : Pat will lie in repose at the O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, Galway (H91 V1K8) from 5:30pm – 7:00pm.

 

Wednesday 10 December 2025 : A cremation service will take place at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harolds Cross, Dublin (D6W HY98) at 3 p.m.

 

 

 

When it’s over, it’s over, and we don’t know

any of us, what happens then.

So I try not to miss anything.

I think, in my whole life, I have never missed

    the full moon

or the slipper of its coming back.

 

 

 

Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers to Simon Community in Galway : Link to Donate.

Book of Condolence : Messages of sympathy can be left for the family in the condolence section below. Thank you for your thoughtfulness at this time.