A Long-Delayed Presentation
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) recently honored Mary Robinson with the Stearne Medal, recognizing her significant contributions to global health, human rights, adn climate justice. While Robinson’s achievements are well-documented, a particularly touching moment unfolded during the medal ceremony, a story not about the recipient, but about a decades-old memory finally fulfilled.
The event itself required careful planning, as befitting a visit from a former president. Among those organizing the ceremony was Marissa Maloney, an RCPI employee. Unbeknownst to many, Maloney had a personal connection to Robinson dating back to her childhood.
Over thirty years ago, Robinson, then President of Ireland, visited St. Joseph’s National School in Dromcollogher, Co.Limerick. Young Marissa was selected to present the President with a bouquet of flowers – an honor she excitedly shared with her family. However, at the actual presentation, another student was chosen to deliver the flowers, leaving marissa disappointed and heartbroken.
The family discovered the change only when they saw photographs in the local newspaper the following week, showing a different child presenting the flowers to President robinson. While the incident didn’t define her life, Maloney carried the memory of that missed opportunity with her as she grew up and moved to Dublin, eventually finding work at the RCPI.
During preparations for Robinson’s visit, Maloney shared the story with her colleagues.Moved by her account, they quietly arranged for Maloney to finally have the opportunity she’d been denied as a child.
at the medal-giving ceremony, Maloney was surprised and initially overwhelmed to be given the chance to present Robinson with flowers. she described feeling like the little girl she once was, a sentiment she shared with colleagues in a heartfelt note. “I was full of awe and joy,” she wrote, adding that sharing the resulting photograph with her family on WhatsApp was a deeply meaningful moment. It was a testament to the kindness of others and a beautiful resolution to a childhood disappointment.
