Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790-1869): Eminent surgeon of Waterford.

Abstract

Thomas Lewis Mackesy (1790-1869) was an Irish surgeon celebrated in his home city. Born in Waterford in Ireland, he apprenticed under his father, an apothecary, before undertaking the London College of Surgeons examination in 1809. Successful, he trained as an assistant surgeon before joining the Royal Artillery. After several years, he returned to his native city, where he worked at the Leper and Fanning hospitals as a surgeon, and married the first of three wives in 1813. Sadly, she died only five years later, leaving two young sons. In subsequent years, Mackesy continued practising medicine but extended his scope to politics and social causes. He became mayor of Waterford in 1841 and worked as both a magistrate and Poor Law guardian, focusing on public health. He received recognition for his work, being the first doctor outside Dublin to be elected president of the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). Trinity College Dublin also awarded him an honorary degree, earning him the title M.D. honoris causa. Thomas Lewis Mackesy died on the 8th of April 1869 from complications of kidney disease. A blue plaque commemorating his life and influence can today be found on Lady Lane, in Waterford city.