Sandy McVey had studied law in Glasgow before he entered Trinity College Dublin to study medicine, and was thus more mature than most of his student contemporaries. He shared rooms with Richard L. McClelland, a fellow medical student who was subsequently to become well known as an actor. They were both notable characters in their day, and remained fast friends. Sandy was captain of soccer before a back injury put an end to games, and plagued him intermittently for the rest of his life.
Sandy and Nola married shortly after he graduated, and lived in a flat in Ely Place, Dublin. After qualifying he served as house officer in Dr Steeven's Hospital in Dublin, where he had been a resident student. He then served as clinical clerk at the Rotunda, and like many before and after him was captivated by the experience of the hospital "District" service. He opted to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology. This was followed by a period of higher professional training under Prof Hugh McClaren and Dame Hilda Lloyd in "The Women's Hospital" in Birmingham. He returned to the Rotunda as obstetrical registrar in 1948, and was appointed assistant Master by O'Donel Browned in 1950.
After completion of his term as assistant Master of the Rotunda, Sandy began private practice in Dublin first in Fitzwilliam Square, and later in Clyde Road, and finally in the Rotunda Private Clinic. In due course he was appointed consultant gynaecologist to Dr Steeven's Hospital, where he served as secretary for the Medical Board.
He was also a consultant obstetrician gynaecologist at the Rotunda, where he served as lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology in the Dublin University Unit at the Rotunda, under Profs J. B. Fleming and John Bonnar. He will be recalled by generations of medical and midwifery students as an appreciated and effective clinical teacher.
His sense of humour enlivened the daily round of work in the course of hospital duty, and, manifestly raised the confidence of his patients; but it also boosted the morale of his colleagues, including doctors, nurses, scientific technicians, secretaries, telephonists, porters, cleaning ladies, who collectively will recall him as an outstanding colleague and thorough gentleman. Sandy's care for patients frequently extended well beyond the immediate course of duty - he was a great listener and a wise counsellor. Patients knew they could trust him.
For Sandy and Nola McVey, their family life was the top priority. Their hospitality was boundless. They had a great circle of friends from every class and creed. Sandy never tired of praising Nola's capabilities, and her death in 1992 was a massive blow for him. Subsequently he was lovingly cared for at home by his daughter Finola and the other members of his family circle throughout a period of declining health and mobility. His passing will leave an enormous gap in the lives of many who, like myself, will recall his life with great gratitude and affection.