‘Flying high now with your baby girl’: Tributes to late father of Aoife Johnston who died in Limerick hospital

“THERE are no words” read one message of condolence following the sad passing of James Johnston in Milford Care Centre on Friday.

His daughter, Aoife, died on December 19, 2022 in University Hospital Limerick (UHL). She was 16-years-old.

The Shannon teenager should have gotten potentially life-saving broad spectrum antibiotics within 15 minutes of presenting to the emergency department with suspected sepsis. 

These antibiotics were given 15 hours too late. She was lying across two chairs on a makeshift bed, as her parents pleaded for help, before she died from meningitis-related sepsis. A four-day inquest into her death in 2024 returned a verdict of medical misadventure.

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Mr Johnston, and wife Carol, said no other family should have to endure their loss – and the people of the Mid-West now needed action, not words, over healthcare improvements at UHL.

Less than two years later Mr Johnston, of Cronan Lawn, Shannon, passed away peacefully in Milford Care Centre surrounded by his loving family, after an illness bravely borne.

He is predeceased by his daughter Aoife and father Jim.

Deeply missed by his heartbroken family, wife Carol, daughters Meagan and Kate, mother Evelyn, brothers Adrian and Mark, sister Maxine, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbours and his many friends.

There have been countless tributes paid to Mr Johnston following his passing, including from the Mid West Hospital Campaign who said he was “now reunited with his beloved daughter Aoife”.

One mourner wrote on rip.ie: “Life has dealt you all an unbelievably hard and heartbreaking few years and I am truly sorry for your pain. I sincerely hope you are flying high now with your baby girl by your side, Now you’re both at peace.”

Many describe Mr Johnston as a “true gentleman", a loving son, husband, father and a great friend.

“I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words,” read one message of condolence.

Another mourner said: “God rest your lovely husband. Bless you and your family. God you have had such a terrible few years. James and Aoife will fly high above you all, and please God you'll have strength to cope. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.”

Mr Johnston will repose in McMahon's funeral home in Shannon this Sunday, April 5 from 4pm to 5.30pm. 

Arriving for funeral Mass in SS John and Paul Church Shannon on Monday, April 6 at 2pm followed by burial afterwards in Illaunmanagh Cemetery.

The family have kindly asked for donations to Milford Care Centre in memory of James Johnston. Please click here if you wish to contribute.

May he rest in peace.