03/09/2026
A tribute in remembrance of Mary Murray (née Gannon).
Mary was among the very first specialist breast-care nurses in Ireland and a founder member of the Irish Breast Care Nurses' Association.
As Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Symptomatic Breast Clinic at St Vincent's University Hospital, she cared for thousands of patients. At a time when specialist breast-care nursing was still evolving in Ireland, she helped establish and strengthen the speciality. She was also among Ireland's first ANP’s, helping shape the role in its early years. Colleagues and patients valued her clinical expertise, warmth and reassurance.
Mary helped develop University College Dublin's specialist Breast Care Nursing programme before joining the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems as a lecturer after her retirement.
She played an important part in the early years of the Marie Keating Foundation, building relationships within the medical profession, encouraging others to support its mission, serving on its Medical Advisory Board and driving the Survive and Thrive fashion show for people living with and beyond cancer.
The Keating family have often credited Mary's guidance, encouragement and belief in the Foundation's mission, saying the organisation would not be what it is today without her.
Her contribution to breast cancer care was recognised internationally.
Mary will be remembered by the many patients, families, colleagues and students whose lives she touched. She is survived by her husband Martin, children John and Críona, and grandchildren Max, Murray, Alexa and Sadie.
Read our full tribute here
https://mariekeating.ie/2026/09/mary-murray-rip/
