Delia Murphy facts for kids
Delia Murphy Kiernan (born February 16, 1902 – died February 11, 1971) was a well-known Irish singer. She was also famous for collecting old Irish folk songs, called ballads. Delia recorded many songs in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. In 1962, she released her only full album, The Queen of Connemara.
During World War II, Delia played a brave role. She helped a Vatican official named Hugh O'Flaherty save the lives of about 6,500 Allied soldiers and Jewish people. This happened while her husband, Dr. Thomas J. Kiernan, was the Irish Ambassador in Rome.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Delia Murphy was born in Ardroe, Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland. Her family was quite wealthy. Her father, John Murphy, earned a lot of money during the Klondike Gold Rush in America. While there, he married Ann Fanning. They came back to Ireland in 1901 and bought a large estate.
Delia's father encouraged her love for singing ballads from a young age. He even allowed Irish travellers to camp on their land. Delia said she learned her first songs by listening to them around their campfires.
Education and Family Life
Delia went to school at Presentation Convent in Tuam and Dominican College in Dublin. She then studied at University College Galway (UCG). She earned a degree in business. At UCG, she met Dr. Thomas J. Kiernan. They got married in 1924, on her 22nd birthday. They had four children: a son named Colm, and three daughters named Blon, Nuala, and Orla.
Her husband, Thomas, joined the Irish diplomatic service. His first job was in London. While living there, Delia sang at many events. She became very popular, especially among Irish people living away from home. In 1939, she recorded famous songs like The Blackbird and The Spinning Wheel.
Delia Murphy's Role in World War II
In 1941, Delia's husband became the Irish Ambassador to the Holy See (the Vatican) in Rome. The Irish embassy was the only English-speaking one that stayed open after the United States joined World War II. This was important because it meant they could help people.
Delia became a key helper for Hugh O'Flaherty. He was known as the "Vatican Pimpernel" for his brave actions. Together, they hid Jewish people and Allied soldiers who had escaped from the Nazis. In 1943, when Italy changed sides in the war, many escaped prisoners of war were helped by the Irish embassy to leave Italy safely.
For her courageous work, Delia was given a special award in 1946. She was made a Dame Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war, Delia's husband continued his diplomatic career. He served as the Irish Ambassador in Australia, West Germany, Canada, and the United States. In 1961, while living in Ottawa, Canada, Delia recorded her famous album, The Queen of Connemara. It was produced by Kenny Goldstein.
Delia and Thomas bought a farmhouse in Jasper, Ontario, near the Rideau Canal. Delia spent most of her time there, even when her husband was working in Washington. Thomas Kiernan passed away in December 1967.
Final Years
By 1969, Delia's health began to decline. In November of that year, she sold her Canadian farmhouse and moved back to Ireland. She lived in a small cottage in Strawberry Beds, Chapelizod, County Dublin. Delia Murphy died from a heart attack on February 11, 1971. She was just five days short of her 69th birthday. Throughout her life, she recorded over 100 songs, leaving behind a wonderful musical legacy.
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Delia Murphy
