New Delhi:Michael Patrick, an Irish actor best known for his short role in Game of Thrones, died at 35 after living with motor neurone disease for more than three years. He died on Tuesday, April 7, at the Northern Ireland Hospice, where he had been staying for about ten days.
Naomi Sheehan, his wife, confirmed the news in a note she posted on Instagram. In the last few months of his life, Patrick was honest about his health and the hard choices he had to make. In his last post, he thanked everyone who helped him during his health crisis. He also said that he has "about a year left."
Michael Patrick's last post about his illness
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of progressive neurological disorders that kill motor neurons, which are the cells that control activities like walking, breathing, speaking, and swallowing. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that this group includes diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive bulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, Kennedy's disease, and post-polio syndrome.
Michael Patrick wrote about his situation and the choices he had to make in his last post on February 6, 2026. He posted a picture of himself in the hospital getting treatment with his godson on his lap. The picture said a lot about how happy he was, even when he was in pain. He wrote, "Three years of having mnd. Still shit." Health update: Basically, @nomsheehan and I were in the hospital for more than a week, talking to doctors, getting tests done, and so on. Talking about the risks and effects of getting the trache put in. What day to day life would be like after the operation. In short I'm not going ahead with the tracheostomy."
He went on to say, "I got confirmation that it would be 6 to 12 months before I could get home because there weren't enough staff." Thanks a lot to everyone who helped make this happen, from senior social workers to politicians to the hospital's chief executive. Everyone has worked so hard, but there just aren't enough people. My neurologist also told us that I probably only have about a year left. Of course, he can't say for sure, and we still have hope that the drug trial will give us more time. So I don't want to take the chance of spending a lot of that time in a hospital bed.
"Thank you so much for all the donations to the GoFundMe. Even though I didn't go through with the tracheostomy, the money will still go toward getting me the specialized care I need as I near the end of my life. I'm still blown away by how kind you all are. He ended by saying, "Anyway, there's still a lot to live for and a lot planned. Here's my little godson Micheál visiting me in the hospital." Here is what he wrote:
Michael Patrick's wife says he was "an inspiration."
Naomi Sheehan wrote in her note, "Mick sadly died last night at the Northern Ireland Hospice." He was taken in 10 days ago and was looked after by the amazing staff there. He died peacefully, with family and friends by his side.
"Words can't describe how broken-hearted we are," she said. "Mick was an inspiration to everyone who was lucky enough to meet him, not just in the last few years of his illness but every day of his life."
“He lived a life as full as any human can live. Happiness, a lot of spirit, and laughter that spreads. A huge man with red hair. We are very thankful to everyone who helped us over the past few years.
Everything you need to know about Michael Patrick's part in Game of Thrones
Patrick was a member of the Brotherhood Without Banners in Game of Thrones. This group was connected to characters like Beric Dondarrion. Even though it was a small part, it was one of his most well-known roles.
He also had a small part in Kenneth Branagh's Belfast. He was also in theater and shows like Blue Lights, Soft Border Patrol, and My Left Nut.
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