Mother of 12 studying medicine hits back at cruel comments after Late Late Show appearance

A mother of 12 who was a guest on the Late Late Show on Friday night has hit back at cruel comments on social media about her returning to study to be a doctor. 

Rosemary Murphy, who is now studying medicine as a mature student having left school at 16, received some negative comments on social media following her appearance on the Late Late Show during which she won a trip away for her and her husband. 

She was taken by surprise when host Patrick Kielty sat beside her and got her to take part in a quiz, which she got right, although she couldn't remember Donncha O'Callaghan's name straight away. 

She received praise on the show for taking on the challenge of studying medicine, while juggling the time pressures associated with a large family of 12 children. 

A post about her Late Late Show received a number of dislikes, which Rosemary said was hard to see. 

One person commented that it was a "bloody disgrace" that she would have 12 kids, "draw the dole, then expect me to pay for your back to education allowance".

"Realistically, given your track record, you'll fail and drop out of college, leaving me to pay for your bad choices and lifestyle," the person on social media said. 

However, Rosemary hit back, outlining her educational achievements and stressed that while she left school after her Junior Cert, she worked from the age of 16. 

My track record? I’ve completed a dip in legal studies, a dip in Montessori Teaching, a QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Award (with 9 distinctions while preparing for HPAT).
Yes, I left school after junior cert but I worked from age 16.
Don’t make assumptions about me. pic.twitter.com/rvSEdg9Eyf

— Rosemary Murphy (@Rosemary_Murphy) September 25, 2023

There were a number of positive comments, including this one: "Best of luck on your new adventure, Rosemary. You are a wonderful person and I truly believe that you will make a wonderful and very kind doctor". 

Best of luck. You have such a wealth of experience already from the ‘University of Life.’ Combine that with passion, purpose
& commitment to learn & you have all the ingredients to make a great doctor.

— Dr. Mark Rowe (@DrMarkRowe) September 24, 2023

She was also thanked for highlighting the UCD access for all pathway to medicine. 

Another posted: "You don’t have to justify yourself to anyone Rosemary. Wishing you a great experience in college and a wonderful medical career. Your life experience [will] stand to you".