Dr Cyril Valentine Shanahan (1922 - 2002)

by Dr Chris Turnbull

The Mersey branch of the BGS announces with regret, the death of Dr Cyril Valentine Shanahan who died in July, 2002 just short of his 80th birthday.

After qualifying in Ireland, Cyril came to England where after various posts and two years service in the RAMC as a Captain, based mostly in Egypt, he settled in Liverpool working between Park Hospital and Newsham General Hospital from which he retired as a consultant in 1987.

Cyril thrived as a geriatrician. Undaunted by a punishing workload and less than ideal facilities, he along with his colleagues worked tirelessly in the
interests of their patients. Behind the scenes this charming gentleman used his not inconsiderable diplomatic skills both on the Committee of the H.C.S.A. and locally to advance the cause of geriatric medicine. His vision and efforts bore fruit with the transfer of services to newly built accommodation at Broadgreen Hospital in 1988.

After retirement, Cyril continued to be active in medicine part time and was a regular attender at the Mersey BGS meetings where his wisdom and experience were much appreciated.

Outside medicine he continued to play hockey at senior level until his mid forties. More latterly and up until his final illness, he enjoyed walking and in particular sailing whilst on holiday in Cornwall.

Cyril is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.