Mr. Charles Maguire

Editorial Department • Published 10 Dec 2009 09:00

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Mr. Charles James Frederick Maguire died peacefully at Coolaness Nursing Home, Irvinestown, on July 7, 2009.

Charles was born on May 10, 1931 in Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, second eldest of a family of six children, to the late Rev. CF and Mrs. GM Maguire, (née Armitage). He attended school in Pettigo, Fivemiletown, and later, Methodist College, Belfast. After graduating in medicine at Queen's University, Belfast in 1954, he trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. In 1967 he moved to Belfast where he was appointed consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Here, he specialised in vitreoretinal surgery pioneering new techniques in this field and in laser photocoagulation. In addition, he launched clinics devoted to neuro-ophthalmology and diabetic eye disease.

Charles was an inspirational teacher and an exceptional surgical instructor of trainees. He served as senior lecturer for a decade at the Queen's University Medical School and examined at Trinity College Dublin. He was a very able administrator and contributed to the development of ophthalmic services in India and Libya. He was selfless with his time when caring for his patients, both at home and abroad.

After retirement from the NHS in 1994, Charles practiced ophthamology in Bermuda. He was a member of the Bermudian St. George's Foundation and gave generously of his time and energy to this heritage charity.

While Charles thoroughly enjoyed travelling, his roots were in Fermanagh, with his father's family home at Oakfield, Letterbreen and latterly he returned to live in the county. An experienced horseman, his lifetime love of horses began here and with his uncles in Tipperary. A skilled craftsman in wood, he also enjoyed boating, gardening and cooking. A keen rower in his youth, he took great pleasure in watching all sports.

He was a witty raconteur with a fund of great stories.

Charles is remembered, above all, as a much loved and devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Barbara and by his first wife, two daughters, a son, and his grandson, his sisters, and his stepchildren.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 10 Dec 09

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