Ellen Woodlock facts for kids

Ellen Woodlock was an amazing Irish woman who spent her life helping people in need. She is known for setting up many important places in Dublin that offered help and support to the poor.

Early Life and Family

Ellen Mahony was born in Cork, Ireland, on January 27, 1811. Her father, Martin Mahony, owned a successful business that made wool.

In 1830, Ellen got married. Sadly, her husband passed away when she was still quite young. This happened just before her only son, Thomas, was born.

Ellen had a brother named Francis Sylvester Mahony. Her brother-in-law was Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Woodlock. He was a very important person in education, leading All Hallows College and the Catholic University of Ireland.

Ellen lived in France for a few years, and her son went to school nearby. After this time, she returned to Cork and later moved to Dublin. In Dublin, she met Sarah Atkinson, and they worked together on many projects to help others.

Helping the Community

Ellen Woodlock was a true philanthropist. This means she was someone who actively worked to help other people, especially by giving money or time to good causes. She believed in making life better for those who were struggling.

One of her first big projects was helping to create St. Joseph's Institution in Dublin in 1855. This place provided important social services to people who needed them.

Founding a Children's Hospital

Ellen Woodlock's most famous achievement was helping to start a hospital especially for children. In 1872, she worked with her daughter-in-law and her friend Sarah Atkinson to open the Children's Hospital. It first opened at 9 Buckingham Street.

Later, this hospital moved to Temple Street, where it is still a very important children's hospital today. Ellen cared deeply about the children there. She visited the hospital every single day to make sure everything was going well and to spend time with the young patients.

Later Life

Ellen Woodlock dedicated her life to helping others and improving the lives of the poor in Dublin. She passed away on July 13, 1884, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and important institutions that continued to help people for many years.