Published: 02 February 2012
by DAN CARRIER

THOMAS “Paddy” Linehan, a popular doctor who ran the Ampthill Square surgery in Camden Town, has died aged 87.

Dr Linehan was a man of many passions; as well as a lifetime dedicated to his patients he was a devout Roman Catholic and was awarded the prestigious Knight Commander of St Gregory, travelling to the Vatican to have an audience with the Pope.

He went on annual pilgrimages to Lourdes in France, where he volunteered in the hospital.

The son of a doctor, he was born in Covent Garden and grew up in Oakley Square, Camden Town, and later lived in Highgate West Hill.

He spent time during World War II in Cork, returning when hostilities ended and earning his medical degree at St Mary’s, Paddington.

Dr Linehan played rugby as a young man and had a burning passion for the game.

He would follow Ireland in the Six Nations competition, travelling to games in the UK and Paris.

A traveller to every continent, he was a frequent visitor to the USA, where he had many friends, and also had a home in Spain.

His love of opera took him to Milan to watch performances at La Scala.

He was a member of the RAC Club, and something of a gourmet and a good cook, serving up Irish classics such as  cabbage and bacon combos for friends.

He held many positions, including that of president of the International Federation of Catholic Doctors, and was a board member at Great Ormond Street Hospital and a school governor at La Sainte Union.

He was a fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners.