A Wicklow man who openly shared his battle with lung fibrosis has died while awaiting a transplant. Lorcan, in his early to mid-50s, was diagnosed with the life-limiting disease in 2019 and had been on the lung transplant list since February of last year.
Lorcan’s Battle with Lung Fibrosis
Lorcan’s condition began to manifest in 2018 with a persistent cough, progressively worsening to the point where he experienced difficulty breathing at night. He received a diagnosis of lung fibrosis in 2019, a progressive lung disease characterized by the buildup of scar tissue, thickening and stiffening the lungs and hindering oxygen intake.
As his condition deteriorated, Lorcan was forced to give up his profession as a carpenter and curtail his involvement with Blessington GAA Club. He also could no longer volunteer as a supervisor at Croke Park.
In August of 2025, Lorcan spoke candidly about his condition during Lung Fibrosis Awareness Month, detailing his increasing reliance on oxygen. He stated he had progressed from needing four litres of oxygen per day to ten litres, administered through tubes up his nose 24 hours a day.
At home, Lorcan utilized a 30-foot tube connected to an oxygen concentrator to allow for movement. While he could venture outside, his activity was limited, requiring 10 litres of oxygen in cylinders that lasted approximately an hour each.
“I can look after myself, I can go out, but I have to be extra careful because if I get a cough or a cold that will further damage my lungs,” he told the Wicklow People. “The disease is such that it can be gradual, or you can go along at a certain level and just suddenly take a drop.”
Lorcan was receiving care at the Mater Hospital, including psychological support, and attended pulmonary rehab classes twice a week at Tallaght Hospital. He described the condition as “frightening,” noting breathlessness and coughing fits that required him to pause and concentrate on regaining his composure.
He experienced two false alarms last year when he was called for a lung transplant, only to have his hopes dashed both times. On one occasion, another patient received the transplant; on the other, the donor’s lungs were deemed unsuitable.
“You get a call and there’ll be an ambulance there in half an hour for you, and you’re brought in straight away,” Lorcan explained. “Psychologically, that is huge, because you’re so built up. If you can imagine, going in and then the disappointment. It is a disease that will kill me if I don’t get lungs.”
Lorcan is survived by his wife Claire, daughter Christine, son Michael, brothers Ronan, Ciaran and Conor, sisters Claire and Niamh, as well as his extended family, neighbours, and friends, including those within the GAA community.
His removal will take place on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:30 a.m., proceeding to the Church of Our Lady, Blessington for requiem mass at 11 a.m., followed by burial in Bohernabreena Cemetery.
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