On Saturday, 13 February, the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). This took place at a ceremony held at the College on St Stephen's Green which was part of a black-tie dinner which concluded RCSI's annual Charter Day Meeting events.

President Higgins follows in the footsteps of past Irish presidents in receiving the honour from the College including Sean T. O'Ceallaig, Cearbhall O'Dalaigh, Eamon De Valera, Patrick Hillery, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese.

In his speech, President Higgins said, "In accepting this honour, I am mindful of the distinguished line of Honorary Fellows of this College, which comprises previous Presidents of Ireland, but also such figures of outstanding integrity as Nelson Mandela and Seamus Heaney. To join such a renowned group of dedicated professionals in an honorary capacity is indeed a privilege... I appreciate the honour you confer on me, not least because the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland occupies a unique place in the heart of this city and indeed this country. Ever since the foundation of the College, in the late 18th century, so many of its fellows, staff and students have taken a passionate interest, and often an active part, in the debates of ideas, movements, and events of their day."

The 2016 RCSI Charter Day Meetings ran from 11-13 February and saw more than 600 surgeons visit the College. The overall theme for the meeting was ‘Supporting Surgeons' which focused on the challenging surgical practice environment and how best RCSI can support the surgical profession. The RCSI Charter Day Meetings are held annually to commemorate the 11th February 1784, when RCSI was first established by Royal Charter by King George III.

You can read the President's speech in its entirety here.