A Dublin community is in mourning following the death of a much-loved college professor.
Tributes have been paid to Greg Foley, who was an associate professor at the DCU School of Biotechnology. Son Simon described him as "the strongest and sweetest man" he had ever known.
He added: "The lasting impact he will leave on those who knew him was immeasurable." Just last week, Mr Foley revealed that he had been hospitalised after contracting Covid-19.
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He said: "Starting an indefinite period of sick leave because Covid has hit me like a ton of bricks. It's f*****g terrible.
"Immediate target is to get out of the Mater in one piece. After that who knows? Been in DCU since 1986 more or less so I've had a great innings anyway."
The dad-of-five, who had cystic fibrosis and was a double lung and kidney transplant survivor, also shared a harrowing account of his experience in hospital saying: "There are numerous grifters, and serious academics, out there who seem to think if the fatality stats are not that bad, then Covid is no big deal.
"But what's behind the numbers? Human suffering of course which can be alleviated by vaccines but which persists. Covid sceptics who live in their garden sheds plotting graphs don't get this."
Former-DCU president and now-senior advisor to the Arizona State University president, Brian MacCraith also paid a heartfelt tribute to Mr Foley. He said: "Very sad to hear of the death of Greg Foley of @dcubiotech. A double lung & kidney transplant survivor, he was a strong advocate for organ donation
"Most of all, he was a passionate advocate for improving education. Sympathies to his family, friends & colleagues. RIP."
Mr Foley was a graduate of UCD (BE, Chemical Engineering 1984; PhD, Chemical Engineering 1994) and Cornell University (MS, Chemical Engineering, 1986). He had lectured in bioprocess engineering in DCU since 1986 and had published more than 40 papers in international journals.
Current DCU president, Professor Daire Keogh said: "Greg was a wonderful colleague, teacher, and friend. Deeply committed to our students, and passionate about quality, he played a prophetic role within DCU, challenging us and calling us to our priorities.
"During his more than three decades working at DCU he made a huge contribution to the University community and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues, students, and friends."
The Irish Kidney Association also expressed its "sincere condolences to the family and friends". A spokesperson added: "[Mr Foley] epitomised the courage and gratitude of transplant recipients who raise awareness of organ donation and transplantation and live their lives in the best way possible. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."
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