Sean was born in Dublin in the eventful year of 1917, receiving his primary education in the city before completing secondary school at Rockwell College. Entering University College Dublin for his medical studies he threw himself heart and soul into the activities of the Cumann Gaelach. During this period he was to be honoured by being elected to the much sought after position of Reachtaire (Auditor). So different from the present day position of medical students with their enforced preoccupation with sky high entry points and once in, being chained to the books and clinical education for the duration.
For Sean, however, crossing faculty boundaries brought its own inimitable reward. He met a vivacious Co Monaghan future arts graduate and teacher, Sinead Nic Uidhir. This was his beloved Jennie who was later to become not only his wife hut also in modern parlance his lifelong and full time programme manager at all levels. While rearing through Irish and supervising the education, again through Irish of their nine children. And of course without the recognition and recompense of her modern day equivalents.
Sean possessed that unique gift of moving easily between rural medical practice - Ard Mor, Carna, an Spideal, Loughrea and its city counterpart - Mount Street and Pearse Street in Dublin. And all this in that most challenging of public sectors - the dispensary doctor. The most abiding memory of his patients is that of unfailing grace and dignity. And his love of the Irish language which transmitted itself to everyone. And was reciprocated surprisingly frequently. Is fanach an ait a bhfaighfe gliomach.
Sean's contributions to his chosen vocation and the Irish language were indefinably entwined. And all this against the most demanding background of a busy medical practice and growing family life. He was an active member of an Comhchaidreamh, a co founder of Acadamh na Lianna (being twice its President) and of Club Conradh na Gaeilge as well as Scoil Lorcin. As an earnest of his holistic approach to medicine his contribution to transcendental meditation was unceasing. Likewise his interest in on going professional education for medical practitioners.