The spouse of an actor from Northern Ireland has mentioned “he lived a life as full as any human can live” in a heartfelt tribute following his death.
Michael Patrick was recognized with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in February 2022.
His spouse Naomi took to social media on Wednesday to let pals, household and followers know that he handed away on Tuesday.
She spoke of a person who was decided to proceed working and dwelling life to the total after his prognosis.
In the social media submit on Wednesday, Naomi mentioned: “Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice.
“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.
Overcoming Adversity Award winner Michael Patrick at The Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland awards in partnership with Ulster Bank at the Culloden Hotel on June 20th 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph) © Luke Jervis
“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.
“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.”
Michael wrote and carried out in an award-wining play to elevate funds for and consciousness of MND.
Last 12 months he was the deserved winner of the Overcoming Adversity award on the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.
Overcoming Adversity award: Belfast actor refuses to let MND stop him living a full life
On the night there was a particular message from Hamlet and Harry Potter actor Sir Kenneth Branagh.
Michael beforehand spoke of his love for performing and appearing, saying MND was not going to cease him.
“I’m a writer as well, and when I was diagnosed, the writing kind of became a place where I didn’t have to think about it,” he mentioned.
Overcoming Adversity Award winner Michael Patrick at The Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland awards in partnership with Ulster Bank on the Culloden Hotel on June twentieth 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph) © Luke Jervis
“I just wanted to put on a play. I love Shakespeare and I just wanted to do a good Shakespeare in Belfast.
“The fact it got five-star reviews, people seemed to like it and I got the award was amazing.
“I think the big thing for me though was the number of people who came to see the play and said ‘I normally don’t like Shakespeare, but I loved that’ or ‘I normally don’t understand Shakespeare, but I understood every word of that’.”
A funeral discover says Michael was “much loved and will always be remembered”.
He was the beloved husband of Naomi, devoted son of Pauline, brother to Kate, Maurice and Hannah, uncle of Micheál.
Requiem Mass will likely be celebrated on Monday 13 April 2026 within the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Knockbracken Drive, Carryduff.
