A BELOVED Kildare grandfather enjoyed a hero’s welcome after returning home having defied the odds to beat coronavirus.
Oliver Doyle, 73, spent an astonishing 57 days on life support in the Intensive Care Unit of Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin.
But now he is back home in Kildare town, with his overjoyed family, having made a full recovery from Covid-19, RTE reports.
Incredibly, it’s not the first time Mr. Doyle has fought back against illness.
Just two years ago, he spent 10 days in a coma while being treated for Multiple Myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the blood.
In the past, he’s also battled against prostate cancer.
Each time he has come out swinging and the avid GAA man is hopeful that his recovery and story while provide some encouragement and inspiration to others.
"To see where I came back from, prostate, myeloma and that disease, there's nothing impossible when you fight,” he told RTE.
“I think if Kildare [his GAA team] sees my fight maybe they will win something before I go. I hope that comes true," he added.
The perfect Father’s Day gift for his adult children Richie, Olivia and Orla, all three and his wife Ann are incredibly grateful to everyone at both the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore and Tallaght University Hospital where he was treated.
Now Mr. Doyle is setting his sights on learning to walk well enough to escort his daughter, Orla, down the aisle when she gets married this October.
"That was his one goal and I know he'll get me down that aisle," Orla told RTE.
"He's an unbelievable man."
"Home on time for Father's Day. I'm telling you, he is our present this year. We are delighted," she added.
Mr. Doyle's incredible story comes just days after an elderly Irish woman in Cork was applauded by staff as she was discharged from an ICU after 79 days on life support with Covid-19.
