The Health Service Executive (HSE) has apologised to a 56-year-old Co. Tipperary woman after medics failed to diagnose her breast cancer on 3 occasions.

Olive Fahey of Rahinch, Littleton in Thurles sued Barringtons Hospital in Limerick, the HSE and various medical professionals for negligence.

The High Court has been told the case has now settled.

Her case has prompted 2 reports: one concluded there was significant error by 2 medical practitioners at University Hospital Galway where the breast tissue samples were sent for analysis.

Lawyers for the HSE apologised in court on behalf of all of the defendants.

They and said they wished to acknowledge the very difficult time she has been through due to the 19-month delay in diagnosing her cancer.

She has now settled her case for an undisclosed sum.

Her solicitor Cian O’Carroll says his client was forced into a 5 year long legal battle after being told she would be treated in a civil and compassionate way.

He says Olive was given a hug by former Health Minister Mary Harney in her office and was then”betrayed”.

He spoke with Lunchtime here on Newstalk.

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