Come behind the scenes with us at the National Ploughing Championships last week
September 22, 2025
Dublin, Ireland – 30.10.2025— Representatives of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the world’s oldest medical charity, paid a courtesy call to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at Government Buildings, where they presented him with a special commemorative stamp struck at the Grand Magistry in Rome to mark the 850th anniversary of the Order’s arrival in Ireland.
The stamp celebrates the Order’s founding of Ireland’s first hospital in 1175 at its original priory site in Kilmainham, now the location of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The presentation symbolised eight and a half centuries of humanitarian and medical service by the Order — a mission rooted in faith, compassion, and care for the sick and the poor.
During the visit, An Taoiseach warmly received volunteers and members of the Order from across Ireland, acknowledging their ongoing contribution to Irish society through ambulance, community care, first aid, and emergency response services, as well as their international humanitarian work.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Patrick Downes KM, said:
“From our beginnings at Kilmainham to our nationwide presence today, the Order of Malta’s mission to serve the sick and the poor remains unchanged. As the world’s oldest medical charity, the Order continues its core humanitarian work from Galway to Gaza, Bandon to Bethlehem, and across Ukraine, delivering care, relief, and hope amid crisis”
The Order of Malta, active in over 120 countries, provides critical assistance in conflict zones and disaster areas through its network of hospitals, clinics, and humanitarian agencies. In Ireland, over 3,500 volunteers hightly trained volunteers serve communities across the country, offering emergency medical support, training, and social care for those most in need. Our volunteers frequently deploy abroad to assist on humanitarian missions.
The presentation of the commemorative stamp marks a key milestone in a year-long series of events celebrating 850 years of the Order of Malta in Ireland — honouring a legacy of service that began in medieval Kilmainham and endures today across Ireland and around the world.
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