Cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has died aged 48.
The mum-of-two passed away at Milford Hospice in Limerick in the early hours of Monday. She is survived by her daughter Amelia, 16, and son Darragh, 11.
Ms Phelan was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, three years after a smear test showed no abnormalities. An internal CervicalCheck audit found the original smear check result to be wrong and in 2018 she settled a High Court action for €2.5m with Clinical Pathology Labs US, without admission of liability.
In February 2022, Ms Phelan was awarded the Freedom of Limerick in recognition of her role in the CervicalCheck campaign.
A documentary of her life entitled 'Vicky' was released in October.
Follow tributes to Ms Phelan or pay your own respects by commenting below
Key Events
Simon Harris - Vicky Phelan’s legacy has 'transformed our country'
Simon Harris has said that Vicky Phelan’s legacy has “transformed our country” and “made the country a much better place for women”.
The CervicalCheck campaigner passed away on Monday morning following her long battle with cancer.
She is survived by her two children Amelia and Darragh.
Mr Harris, who was the Health Minister at the time of Ms Phelan’s court case that blew the lid on the CervicalCheck scandal in 2018.
“The country has lost an incredible advocate and an incredible person,” he said.
“In many ways, those of us who knew Vicky and knew how sick she was, knew that this day would always come but it's still very shocking when it does actually arrive.
“She genuinely did change the country for the better. There are things that have happened in Ireland that would not have happened were it not for Vicky Phelan.
“The Scally Report being one, the Women’s Health Task Force, new drugs like Pembro.
“So much has happened because of her.
“But Vicky the person is equally important. She's a person I got to know so well and she really did have that ability, despite being so sick herself, to have this just this great interest in people.
“There’s so much kindness she showed to so many people that I know people don't even understand the scale of it.
“I'm just utterly devastated that she's gone.
“But I know her legacy has transformed our country and will continue to do so.”
Mr Harris said that “no one would pull the wool over Vicky’s eyes” and that “women's health care in Ireland is so much better as a result of Vicky’s tenacity and courage”.
He said that passing laws of mandatory disclosure must happen immediately.
“She made the country a much better place for women,” Mr Harris added.
A review into CervicalCheck found that at least 221 women diagnosed with cervical cancer were not previously told about misread smears.
The independent review into CervicalCheck was commissioned by Minister Harris in 2018, despite advice from the then-Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan stating that no such review should be carried out.
Instead, the CMO recommended carrying out a review himself. This advice was rejected by Mr Harris.
Statement from 221+ CervicalCheck Patient Support Group - 'Our pain is suffocating'
"Today we have lost our biggest big sister. We are shattered. She told us this day would come big she fought so hard and so well that we couldn’t let ourselves think it would happen.
"Our hearts go out to Jim, Amelia and Darragh and go Vicky’s Mam and Dad, her sisters and brothers and her extended family. Our pain is suffocating just now but it is nothing compared to their loss.
"Vicky raised her voice in 2018 because she wanted those in power, those with responsibility to learn from their mistakes. In her own words, two years ago, she said
- I don’t want your apologies.
- I don’t want your tributes.
- I don’t want your aide de camp at my funeral.
- I don’t want your accolades or your broken promises.
- I want action.
- I want change.
- I want accountability.
"Let those words be her legacy. Cervical screening saves lives.
"It failed Vicky in life. In her memory those with responsibility must ensure that it never fails others."
Ryan Tubridy pays emotional tribute to friend Vicky Phelan who had "wonderful sense of divilment"
Sharing a light hearted image of the with Vicky at RTE studios Ryan said: "I’m at a loss for words today. Our friend, Vicky Phelan has died. She fought and she fought like few others. Strength, bravery, humour, kindness, generosity, intellect and love…Some of the words helping me describe this extraordinary, iconic woman. I’m posting a lighthearted photo as Vicky had a wonderful sense of divilment. My thoughts are with her family today. May Vicky rest in the peace she deserves."
HSE CEO, Stephen Mulvany on the sad passing of Vicky Phelan
“It is with great sadness I learned this morning of the death of Vicky Phelan. My deepest condolences to Vicky’s family. I extend my condolences to all those touched by the sorrow of cancer. Ireland has lost a great advocate for women’s health.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar - 'Ireland has lost a woman of limitless courage'
Statement by Tánaiste and Fine Gael Leader Leo Varadkar on the death of Vicky Phelan
“Today Ireland has lost a woman of limitless courage, compassion and strength. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Vicky’s family, particularly to her children on the loss of their incredible mother.
"Vicky was a shining example of the power of the human spirit. Her fight to uncover the truth and the courage with which she faced her illness made her an inspiration to us all.
"We mourn her as a nation, as a society, and as individuals.
"Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam.”
Labour TD Alan Kelly pays tribute to 'good friend' Vicky Phelan
Commenting on the sad passing of Vicky Phelan, Labour TD Alan Kelly said: “My thoughts are with Vicky’s family, particularly Jim, Amelia and Darragh and all the Phelan and Kelly families. I’m also thinking of her good friends Lorraine Walsh, Stephen Teap and John Wall as well as many others. Vicky brought something special to the lives of all who knew her well and I am very lucky to have been able to call her a good friend over the last five years.
“I have said so many times both publicly and privately that the day I met Vicky, my life changed. There isn’t a person in Ireland who Vicky didn’t inspire in her tenacious fight for justice. When she spoke out on any issue, the nation listened. She used her experiences to help begin what will doubtless be a decade's long campaign of reform around healthcare in Ireland.
“Many words will be used to describe Vicky over the coming days, months and years. Brave, fighter, disruptor, inspiration, change-maker, straight talker and so many more. Those words don’t go far enough to describe the person that she was and the many legacies she will leave behind. Vicky courageously continued to fight for what was right for her and the women of Ireland right up until the very end. She empowered everyone in Ireland to think differently about their health, to ask questions and fight for the best treatments and health service that everyone deserves.
“As someone who knew Vicky well as a friend, I know that she won’t be defined by the State’s failings but instead by the way she has changed things for the better for the people of Ireland.
“Rest in peace to my dear friend, Vicky. You were the best. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam dílís.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill - 'She was so clearly a remarkable and selfless human being'
Taoiseach Micheál Martin statement on Vicky Phelan
"I am deeply saddened at the passing of Vicky Phelan.
"On behalf of the Government of Ireland, I extend my deepest sympathies to her husband Jim, children Amelia and Darragh, family and friends.
"Vicky was a woman of extraordinary courage, integrity, warmth and generosity of spirit.
"She made a very significant contribution to public life in Ireland and Vicky’s actions and commitment will live long in the memory of the entire nation.
"Vicky ensured the embedding of the principle of full public disclosure in the area of public health.
"Vicky stood up for the public interest, particularly in relation to the CervicalCheck scandal.
"She was an outstanding advocate for women across this country, and across the globe.
"Vicky always gave selflessly of her time to help others, even though she was going through severe illness herself.
"The people of Ireland have a deep affection for Vicky, and will always hold her contribution to public life in the highest regard."
Simon Harris says Vicky Phelan was “most incredible advocate I’ve ever met”
Simon Harris has described Vicky Phelan as the “most incredible advocate I’ve ever met” following news of the CervicalCheck campaigner’s death.
The 48-year-old Limerick woman is survived by her two children Amelia, 16, and Darragh, 11.
Mr Harris, who was Health Minister at the time the CervicalCheck scandal came to light, took to Twitter to pay tribute to Ms Phelan.
“Vicky Phelan made our country a better place,” he said.
“Everyone who came into contact with her was the better for it. Her advocacy and determination brought about change. Her kindness and decency brightened lives.
“The most incredible advocate I’ve ever met. Thinking of her family and friends.”
Current Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said that Ms Phelan had left a “legacy of enormous and enduring impact which has touched the lives of so very many people, and in particular women and families affected by cervical cancer.”
“My thoughts are with Vicky’s family and many friends on this sad day.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said that Ms Phelan was “an inspiration to us all”.
“The dignity with which she dealt with her illness, in a very public way, was formidable,” she said.
“Vicky should never have had to be a campaigner, but her advocacy on behalf of Irish women will never be forgotten.
“I want to extend my condolences to her family and very wide circle of friends; particularly to her husband Jim and her children Amelia and Darragh.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
Statement from the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on the death of Vicky Phelan
“Today we have heard the very sad news of Vicky Phelan’s passing. I send my deepest condolences and sympathies to Vicky’s family on their loss.
“Vicky leaves a legacy of enormous and enduring impact which has touched the lives of many people, and in particular women and families affected by cervical cancer.
“My thoughts are with Vicky’s family and many friends on this sad day.”
Irish Cancer Society - 'Because of her advocacy, others will never have to go through what she went through'
Averil Power, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said: “Today it is no small understatement to say we are poorer for the loss of Vicky Phelan, but truly richer as a nation for the contribution she so generously made to Irish life.
“Vicky refused to be silent in the face of great personal challenge and the issues she brought to light changed the course of history for women in Ireland. Without her courage and her determination, others would not have known the truth behind the Cervical Check failings.
“Despite her own experience Vicky was a staunch champion of screening and tirelessly encouraged others to take up the offer when it was their turn. Unselfishly – and true to her trademark sense of fairness and conviction – it is the promotion of screening that is such an important part of Vicky’s legacy, which will go on to save many lives.
“Cervical cancer robbed her of her future and left her coping with severe side effects during her final years. Because of her advocacy, others will never have to go through what she went through.
“On top of her national advocacy, which will leave a lasting impression on Ireland as a country, Vicky was so generous with her time and energy to support others affected by cancer.
“She spoke candidly about her own experience, including the physical and sexual side effects of her cancer and treatment, which was a catalyst for better conversations and supports for women facing similar situations.
“In response, the Irish Cancer Society piloted the Women’s Health Initiative, to help women cope with a wide array of symptoms caused by their cancer treatment – including sexual problems, infertility and premature menopause. This ground-breaking programme for women was inspired by Vicky’s openness about the implications of her own cancer treatment, which also helped other women to break their silence regarding their own challenges.
“Most of all we will remember Vicky’s good humour, her empathy, her kind-hearted nature and her openness that contributed so much to Irish life and to the cancer community in recent years.
“We owe her a debt of gratitude that we must work tirelessly to repay by ensuring that women’s health is prioritised and promoted. Vicky’s legacy demands nothing less.
“Our thoughts today are with her children, Amelia and Darragh, husband Jim and all her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam”
Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald pays tribute to Vicky Phelan
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has extended her condolences on the passing of Vicky Phelan.
Teachta McDonald said: “It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Vicky Phelan.
“Vicky was an inspiration to us all.
“The dignity with which she dealt with her illness, in a very public way, was formidable.
“Vicky should never have had to be a campaigner, but her advocacy on behalf of Irish women will never be forgotten.
“I want to extend my condolences to her family and very wide circle of friends; particularly to her husband Jim and her children Amelia and Darragh.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
"Thank you Vicky. From the women of Ireland, we owe you a debt of gratitude"
An outpouring of tributes have been paid to Cervical Check campaigner Vicky Phelan after she passed away on Monday morning.
Acknowledging the immense work Vicky undertook to raise awareness surrounding cervical cancer and Cervical Checks failings, one person said: "Heartbreaking!!
"What an incredible woman, who leaves a lasting legacy behind her.
"A hero for the women of Ireland.
"Rest in Peace Vicky".
A second said: "Thank you Vicky. From the women of Ireland, we owe you a debt of gratitude. You fought for yourself, for your family and for Irish women. An amazing woman.
"May you rest in peace."
While a third wrote: "Vicky Phelan was everyone's mother, sister and daughter and friend. Such a courageous and generous person to share her life and thoughts with us and shine a light on chronic illnesses and our medical system. Condolences to Vicky's family and friends. RIP."
Taoiseach pays tribute
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to Cervical Check campaigner Vicky Phelan and praised the work she did for “women globally” following news of her death.
In a moving tribute, the Fianna Fáil leader said that Ms Phelan’s actions will “live long in the memory of someone who stood up against the system”.
“I think this is very, very sad news,” the Taoiseach told RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne.
“I think she was a woman of extraordinary courage and integrity who stood up for the women of Ireland, but women globally.
“To her family, to her husband and her family, in particular, we extend our deepest sympathies.
“I think in the history of this country, I think her actions, particularly in terms of not signing a confidentiality agreement at that particular time and her statement outside the steps of the High Court, will live long in the memory as an example of someone who stood up against the system and the normal conventions of actions to say ‘no, I'm not signing that. I want this revealed in the public interest’.
“She stood up for the public interest.”
Cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan dies aged 48
Cervical Check campaigner Vicky Phelan has died. She passed away at Milford Hospice in Limerick.
Ms Phelan exposed the CervicalCheck screening scandal in Ireland, after discovering she was not told she had been given incorrect smear test results.
She settled the case, with no admission of liability on the part of the laboratory or health services.
However, she refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement and it was discovered that over 220 other women could have benefitted from earlier treatment. Dozens of women have since died as a result of the scandal.
In February 2022, Ms Phelan was awarded the Freedom of Limerick in recognition of her role in the CervicalCheck campaign.
Ms Phelan is survived by her children, Amelia and Darragh, and her ex-husband Jim.
