Frances Molloy facts for kids

Ann Brady (née McGill) (12 January 1947 – 28 March 1991) was a talented writer from Northern Ireland. She wrote novels and short stories. Ann Brady is best known for her writing under the name Frances Molloy.

Life and Writing Career

Ann McGill was born in 1947 in Dungiven, Northern Ireland. She finished school when she was fifteen years old. After leaving school, she worked in a factory for a while. Later, she decided to become a nun.

After some time, she left the convent and moved to Great Britain. There, she married Gerard Brady. They had two children together. Ann chose to use the name "Frances Molloy" for her writing. A "pseudonym" is a made-up name a writer uses instead of their real name.

No Mate for the Magpie

Frances Molloy's most famous book was No Mate for the Magpie, published in 1985. This book was not exactly her life story. However, it was based on her own experiences growing up in Northern Ireland. The story follows a character named Ann Elizabeth McClone. The book is told from Ann Elizabeth's point of view. She speaks in a special way of talking called a "Derry dialect." This is how people speak in the city of Derry, which is close to where Frances Molloy grew up.

In 1971, Frances Molloy and her husband moved back to Northern Ireland for two years. Later, they settled in Lancaster, Lancashire, England.

Other Works

During her writing career, Frances Molloy also worked on a play. She wrote it with two other writers, Ruth Hooley and Nell McCafferty. She also wrote many short stories. These stories were published in different magazines in Britain.

Frances Molloy passed away on 28 March 1991, at the age of 44.