Little did I think 36 years ago when Diarmuid was born that he would be graduating from UCC with a Certificate in Disability-Inclusive Practice, a one-year course.

He started it in the academic year 2022/23 but he was bogged down in end stage renal failure and hospitalised for several weeks in CUH. Then by a miracle of fate for him and a tragedy for another family, we got that exceptional call to dash to Beaumont Hospital where Diarmuid would receive his new kidney.

It broke his heart to have to drop out of his course in UCC. Honouring UCC’s commitment to lifelong learning and inclusion, Diarmuid was allowed to begin again last year. He loved being there and on graduation day, he wore a smile that told the story of pride and satisfaction.

Crazy day

It was a crazy day. Diarmuid was notified that his graduation would be at 12.30pm on 11 November. For several months, he has been very uncomfortable with bladder stones. He’s been waiting for pre-assessment for an operation to remove them. The appointment arrived. You, guessed it – 11 November at 9am.

The assessment could take four hours. We couldn’t dare chance to try to change it. My chemotherapy was planned for the Friday and Saturday before. I would not be at my best on Monday, 11 November. Tim rang the Mercy and explained the issue.

Within ten minutes, the woman was back on the phone. She had spoken to the nurses and they would start Diarmuid’s assessment at 8am. The people in the HSE who look after Diarmuid are just marvellous.

On Thursday evening after tea, I asked Diarmuid to bring down his suit to see if it needed an iron. As luck would have it, I suggested he put on the pants knowing that his waistline had grown due to inactivity because of his discomfort walking. He came back in with the pants on. The zip was up half way. The two triangles that didn’t close were turned inside and the t-shirt was pulled down over the problem. Nothing to report – all well. That’s our D.

I was off to the hospital the following morning. The crisis was immediate. D and I made a mad dash to Dunnes Stores that wasn’t closing until 10pm. We got sorted with a new jacket and pants, shirt and tie. I had my eye off the ball. At least, I woke up before it was too late.

Monday morning dawned. We were all up early. I dropped Tim and Diarmuid to the hospital before 8am. I went into UCC to pick up the tickets, get his gown and organise his photograph. Everything progressed well at the Mercy Hospital with the nurses pulling out all the stops to get Diarmuid’s assessment completed in time. Tim and I were in contact by text. Shortly after 11am, I was on my way back for my men. We walked into DeVere Hall in plenty of time.

Graduation ceremony

By now, Diarmuid was with his fellow graduands. The academic parade commenced. The pomp and ceremony added to the occasion. We were very proud of Diarmuid. When his name was called he walked up and received his parchment. He smiled broadly for the camera as the president of UCC, Professor John O’Halloran shook his hand. Diarmuid loves UCC and navigates the university with ease. The student centre is a special place for him.

The bottom line is that he has had the university experience the same as his sister and two brothers. It is part of his story and a fine excuse for a celebration of Diarmuid.