Irish Minister Patrick O Donovan readmitted to hospital in Limerick

Irish Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan has been readmitted to University Hospital Limerick, according to the Irish Examiner. The outlet reported that the 49-year-old politician was admitted to the hospital on Thursday evening. The Limerick Post and the Limerick Leader also reported that the minister has returned to the hospital. [1][3][4]

The Irish Examiner reported that Mr O'Donovan was previously treated in intensive care at University Hospital Limerick after falling ill last month. He became unwell during a meeting of European Union telecommunications ministers at the University of Limerick, where he spent several days receiving intensive care treatment. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Mr O'Donovan was diagnosed with epilepsy approximately ten years ago. He fell ill during the European Union meeting in October after previously criticizing party colleagues over anonymous health disclosures. Following that incident, officials indicated he was not expected to return to work immediately while receiving medical treatment. [8][9]

Mr O'Donovan is a Fine Gael politician who has served as a Teachta Dala for Limerick County since 2016. He was appointed Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in January 2025 before a temporary reassignment in November 2026, and remains in the Irish government as a Minister without Portfolio. [6]