Actor and writer Michael Patrick, recognised for his role in Game of Thrones, died on April 8 at the Northern Ireland Hospice at the age of 35 following a prolonged battle with motor neurone disease (MND). He had been admitted to the hospice ten days before his death and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.
As per an Instagram post shared by his wife, Michael Patrick was diagnosed with motor neurone disease on February 1, 2023. His death was confirmed by his wife, Naomi Sheehan, through an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 8, in which she wrote that the family was "broken-hearted."
His wife confirms his death in an emotional note
Naomi Sheehan wrote, "Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice. He was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease 1st February 2023. He was admitted 10 days ago and was cared for by the incredible team there. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Words can't describe how broken-hearted we are."
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Naomi Sheehan described her husband as an inspiration to everyone who knew him not only during his illness but throughout his entire life. She said, "It's been said more than once that Mick was an inspiration to everyone who was privileged enough to come into contact with him, not just in the past few years during his illness but in every day of his life. He lived a life as full as any human can live. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger haired man."
She also expressed gratitude to all who supported them over the preceding years, writing, "We are so grateful for every person who supported us through the last few years. Mick loved this quote from Brendan Behan and this feels appropriate now: 'The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.' So, don't overthink it. Eat. Drink. Love."
Public reaction
Tributes poured in from those who knew and admired Michael Patrick. One fan wrote in the post’s comment section, "Mick touched so many peoples lives and was such a treasure for our creative community. What a legacy he leaves. He is going to be sorely missed." Another described him as "an absolutely enormous wealth of talent, goodness, kindness and laughter all wrapped into one person," extending love to his family. A third remembered him fondly, writing: "I can still hear his laugh across the canteen at Mountview." Others simply expressed overwhelming grief, with one noting, "Oh my goodness what a true hero. And what a legacy."
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Support and fundraising efforts during his illness
According to NDTV, friends started a GoFundMe campaign in November 2025 to help cover Michael Patrick’s care after a tracheostomy, a procedure to support his breathing as the disease worsened. The campaign aimed to raise GBP 100,000 and received over GBP 110,487 in total.
His final post and health update
In his final social media post, Michael Patrick wrote, "3 years of having mnd. Still shite craic. Health update: Basically me and @nomsheehan were in hospital for over a week there - speaking to doctors and getting tests done etc. Talking about risks and implications 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 further added, "I had confirmation from it would be around 6-12 months before I could get home due to lack of staffing resources. Thanks so much to everyone who helped push this - from senior social workers, to politicians, to the chief executive of the hospital. Everyone has tried so hard, but there just isn't the staff."
Despite being told by his neurologist that he had limited time, Patrick had expressed hope and a desire to continue living life meaningfully. Michael Patrick is survived by his wife, Naomi Sheehan.
