Rochey Makes Frontline Heroes Top 100

Which ever way you cut it, it’s a pretty darn remarkable list to qualify for…

In among the just-published Top 100 frontline heroes of 2020 are Emer Cooke, executive director of the European Medicines Agency, some powerful eggheads we’ve never heard of, and one Fiona Ignatius Horatio Roche.

Released at the end of each year, the Irish Pharmacy News list celebrates Ireland’s top achievers across the pharmaceutical world. So, alongside industry professionals are community pharmacists – which is where the bould Rochey comes in.

“It’s extremely flattering to be included in such a list,” says Fiona, as she puffs on a cigar and takes another swig of cognac (well, it is Sunday). “It’s one of those things where you know there are many hundreds of people across the country who have been doing an incredible job during Covid-19, so, in truth, this kind of award is shared with many, many others.”

Not so, according to Irish Pharmacy News, who reckon it’s actually shared with just 99 others, the magazine highlighting those they feel act as ambassadors and role models for their peers.

Says the IPN’s editor, Kelly-Jo Eastwood, “There was an outpouring of nominations throughout the sector, and while each healthcare professional deserves to be recognised, the final list of professionals have displayed inspirational leadership affecting the development of pharmacy services across Ireland.”

One such inspiration being how a local chemist can make the effort to get to know their customers. And what ails them. Which may explain why Fiona made the list last year too.

Congrats to Ms Roche, and to other 99 celebrated recipients on this year’s list. Here’s to an easier 2021 for all of us…