Critically ill Wexford priest airlifted to Dublin hospital

An Irish missionary working in Gambia in west Africa has had to be airlifted home after becoming seriously ill with malaria.

Fr. Sean Devereux (46), from Tacumshane, Co Wexford, is now being treated in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.  He was brought home to Dublin by air ambulance via Dakar in neighbouring Senegal where he received lifesaving medical attention after taking gravely ill.

At the weekend, Fr Devereux’s family were said to be maintaining a constant vigil at his bedside in Beaumont.  No other visitors were allowed to see him because his condition was described as responding to treatment but critical.

Fr Devereux has worked on the missions in Gambia for eleven years and he has set up a number of projects.   Before going there, he ministered in Cleariestown, Wexford town and Poulfur parishes, all in the Ferns diocese.

Prayer services and Masses have been conducted throughout the diocese for the recovery of Fr Devereux.  His brother-in-law, Tommy Doyle, told local media that he was “responding to treatment, but added that the situation was “frightening.”

“He is making progress but he is still very seriously ill; he has a long recovery ahead of him.”

Mr Doyle expressed thanks for the prayers and good wishes his family has received.

Diocese of Ferns spokesman Fr. John Carroll said Fr. Devereux was “recovering well at present.”

by Fintan Deere