Eleanora Fleury facts for kids

Eleonora Lilian Fleury (1867–1960), also known as Norah Fleury, was an amazing Irish doctor and a pioneer for women in medicine. She was born in Manchester in 1867. Eleonora was homeschooled when she was young. Later, she studied medicine at the London School of Medicine for Women and the Royal Free Hospital.

In 1890, she made history by becoming the first woman to graduate in medicine from the Royal University of Ireland. She earned top grades and special recognition. She also became the first female member of the Medico-Psychological Association, which is now called the Royal College of Psychiatrists. This was a big deal because the rules had to be changed to let women join! Dr. Fleury worked at several hospitals, including Homerton Fever Hospital in London and Richmond Asylum in Ireland. She was a dedicated doctor who helped many people throughout her life.

Becoming a Doctor

Eleonora Fleury's journey to becoming a doctor was full of achievements. She graduated from the Royal University of Ireland in 1890 with excellent results. This university was important because it allowed many women to study medicine. At that time, other universities, like Trinity College Dublin, did not accept female students until much later.

After graduating, Eleonora continued her training at the Richmond Hospital in Dublin and the London School of Medicine for Women. She became a successful psychiatrist, a doctor who helps people with their mental health.

Breaking Barriers

In 1893, Dr. Conolly Norman, a respected doctor, suggested that Eleonora join the Medico-Psychological Association. This group was for doctors who specialized in mental health. At first, they said no because their rules didn't allow women. But Eleonora didn't give up! In 1894, after the rules were changed, she was voted in by a large majority. This made her the very first female psychiatrist in both Ireland and Great Britain.

Her Medical Work

Dr. Fleury had a long and busy career helping patients. After finishing medical school, she worked at the Homerton Fever Hospital in London for a year. Then, she returned to Ireland and worked at the Richmond Asylum (later known as Grangegorman) for 27 years. She became a senior doctor there.

From 1921 until 1926, she worked at Portrane Asylum in Donabate. Besides treating patients, she also helped teach nurses and other staff who were learning about mental health care. She was a very important part of the medical team.

Helping Others and Her Legacy

Eleonora Fleury was also involved in the movement for Irish independence. She used her position at Richmond and Portrane asylums to secretly help people who were fighting for Ireland's freedom. She would hide and care for those who were injured or needed to escape.

In 1923, she was arrested and sent to Kilmainham Gaol prison in Dublin because of her involvement in helping these prisoners. While she was in prison, she worried about the health of the other female prisoners. After she was released, she continued to speak up for them, asking for better conditions.

Eleonora retired in 1926. She lived an active life until she passed away in 1960. She is buried at Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin. Her work as a doctor and her bravery in helping others left a lasting impact. In 2017, an exhibition celebrated her achievements during a cultural festival in Donabate and Portrane.