Alice Furlong facts for kids

Alice Furlong (born November 26, 1866 – died 1946) was an Irish writer, poet, and political activist. She also worked on Irish publications with Douglas Hyde, who later became the President of Ireland.

About Alice Furlong's Life

Alice Furlong was born in Old Bawn, near Tallaght in County Dublin. Her father, John Furlong, was a sports journalist. Alice trained to be a nurse at Dr Steevens' Hospital. Sadly, her father passed away after an accident, and her mother died two months later. Alice started writing when she was just 16 years old. Her first writings appeared in a magazine called the Irish Monthly.

Alice Furlong's Writings

In 1899, Alice published a book of poems called Roses and Rue. Important people like Stopford Brooke liked it. Later, in 1907, she published Tales of Fairy Folk and Queens and Heroes. Her poems were also included in several collections of poetry.

She wrote for many different journals. These included the Irish Monthly, the Weekly Freeman, Chambers's Journal, and the nationalist Shan Van Vocht. This last journal was run by Alice Milligan and Anna Johnston (Ethna Carbery). After 1916, Alice started learning the Irish language. In the 1920s, she published poems in Irish. She also translated poems from Irish into English. During this time, she started writing for the Irish Press newspaper.

Alice Furlong's Activism

In 1900, Alice Furlong helped start a group called Inghinidhe na hÉireann. This was a revolutionary women's organisation. It was led by Maud Gonne. Alice Furlong was chosen as a vice-president of this group. Other vice-presidents included Jenny Wyse Power, Annie Egan, and Anna Johnston. This group worked for Irish independence and women's rights.

Her Family's Creative Side

Alice had two sisters, Katherine and Mary. They also wrote poetry, but they passed away when they were young. Another sister, Margaret, married a songwriter named P. J. McCall.