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Widespread shock at death of Prof
Paddy Johnston
04.06.17
THERE has been
widespread shock and sadness across Derry and
Donegal at the sudden death of leading cancer
specialist Professor Paddy Johnston.
Mr Johnston, the vice-chancellor of Queen's
University, Belfast, died today during a visit to
the Inishowen peninsula where he has had a holiday
home for some years.
Queen's University made the announcement of their
colleague's unexpected death with a "deep sense of
shock and loss". |
"We extend our deepest
sympathies and condolences to Iseult, his wife, and
their four boys, Seamus, Eoghan, Niall and Ruairi,
and the wider family circle at this desperately sad
time. We will provide further updates in due
course," a spokesperson said.
Mr Johnston (59), who was from the Waterside, Derry,
had strong family connections to the Desertegney
area outside Buncrana. He and his family enjoyed
regular visits to their holiday home near Dunree on
the shores of Lough Swilly. |
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Paddy Johnston. |
His brother William
previously served as Garda Superintendent of the
Buncrana District.
Prof Johnston was educated at St Columb’s College,
Derry and University College, Dublin, where he
gained his MB BCh degree in Medicine in 1982.
The popular academic was the first person to be
appointed president and vice-chancellor from within
the staff of Queen’s since the appointment of Sir
Peter Froggatt in 1976.
He was awarded a fellowship in 1987 at the National
Cancer Institute at Bethesda, Maryland, where he
began further clinical training in medical oncology.
He was promoted senior investigator there in 1991.
The father-of-four joined Queen’s University in 1996
as Professor of Oncology, later leading the
establishment of the Centre for Cancer Research and
Cell Biology. For funeral details
click here . |
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