The O’Connell Family Practice was started by Dr Michael O’Connell. Having qualified in UCD he trained in the Mater Hospital in Dublin before opening a surgery and dispensary in Moynalty in 1943. He continued to work in General Practice until shortly before he died in Kells in 2001. He was a founder member of the Irish Medical Union in 1962, and served a term as president. From wartime provisions to delivering babies at home, he became a well-known face in the North East. His old mahogany waiting-room benches feature in our Kells surgery and his equipment is a reminder of how much medicine has changed down the generations.  

He was joined by his son, Dr John O'Connell, in 1984. He modernised and expanded the scope of the practice, computerizing it and providing occupational health services in the region. Jacqueline O'Connell, his wife, is the practice manager. The next generation (Dr Sinéad O'Connell and Dr Senan O'Connell) subsequently joined the team too.

In the face of the global pandemic we have expanded our service to allow accessible and safe general practice with the opening of a surgery in the former infirmary of the Mercy Convent in the heart of Kells.