THE father of a teenager who died of sepsis after waiting more than 15 hours for life-saving medication in the emergency department (ED) at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) was laid to rest this week.
James Johnston, the father of the late Aoife Johnston (16), of Cronan Lawn, Shannon, County Clare, passed away surrounded by his family in Milford Care Centre on April 3, following an illness.
His funeral took place this past Monday (April 5) at SS John and Paul Church, Tullyvarraga, Shannon, County Clare, after which he was laid to rest at Illaunmanagh Cemetery.
James and Aoife’s mother, Carol Johnston, along with sisters Megan and Kate campaigned heroically for answers about the late Shannon teen’s death in 2022 and received a verdict of medical misadventure after an inquest in 2024.
In his eulogy, James’ brother Mark said that “the loss of Aoife brought not only heartbreak but a deep and enduring sense of injustice. James carried anger and hurt rooted in unkept promises.”
“This was not something he could simply set aside. It stayed with him day after day and weighed heavily on his heart.”
He described his late brother as a devoted family man, whose love for his daughters “knew no bounds”.
Many of the condolences posted online in the days since his passing mentioned the hopes that James is now reunited with his beloved daughter, Aoife.
One mourner wrote that “James will be missed more than he could ever know. His passing leaves a big hole in all our lives. He was one of a kind – funny, generous and always there for family and friends.”
Others described him as “a true warrior and devoted husband and proud dad”.
Aoife’s death and subsequent demands for answers from her family and concerned health campaigning groups resulted in the report of the former Chief Justice Frank Clarke SC, which investigated the circumstance of her death and the running of the ED at UHL.
The report found that had she been administered the correct medication in he correct timespan, it would “almost certainly” have prevented her death.
The report was commissioned by the CEO of the HSE Bernard Gloster and went on to make 17 recommendations about changes that needed to be made in the ED to protect patient safety.
James is predeceased by his daughter Aoife and father Jim. He is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Meagan and Kate, mother Evelyn, brothers Adrian and Mark, sister Maxine, brothers and sisters-in-law, and a wide network of family, friends, and neighbours.