Hannah Moylan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hannah Alexandra Moylan
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Hannah Moylan wearing Graduation Robes at Alexandra College in 1897
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| Born | 1867 Galway
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| Died | 15 June 1902 Cairo
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Education | BSc |
| Alma mater | Alexandra College |
| Known for | Educationist with bachelor of science degree |
Hannah Alexandra Moylan (1867 – 15 June 1902) was an amazing Irish woman. She made history by becoming the first woman in Ireland to earn a science degree. Hannah was also a dedicated teacher and worked hard to improve education for other women.
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Early Life and School Years
Hannah Moylan was born in Galway, Ireland, around 1867. Her exact birthday isn't known, but she was baptised on December 2, 1867. Her parents, Jeremiah and Mary Moylan, were both teachers. Her father was the headmaster and her mother was the matron at a local Model school. This meant Hannah grew up in a home that valued learning.
Hannah was one of ten children. Her father taught her at home for her early years. Later, she attended Madame De Prins College for Young Ladies and the Ladies Intermediate School in Limerick. She was a very bright student and won many awards during her school days.
Breaking Barriers in University
In July 1887, Hannah started her university studies at the Royal University of Ireland. At that time, it was very difficult for young women to attend university directly. So, Hannah studied at Alexandra College in Dublin. She worked incredibly hard and earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in French, English, and Mathematics in 1891.
She continued to excel, winning scholarships and awards. She took her university exams through Trinity College Dublin, which was a big achievement for a woman at that time.
A Champion for Education
After getting her first degree, Hannah Moylan began teaching at Alexandra College. But she didn't stop learning! In 1895, she took a break to study for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree at Queen's University Galway. This was a huge step, as she became the first woman in Ireland to earn a science degree. The next woman to achieve this didn't do so until 1903.
With her second degree, Hannah returned to Alexandra College as a lecturer. She was a strong supporter of women's education. Hannah was part of a group called the Central Association of Irish Schoolmistresses. They worked to get women accepted into Trinity College Dublin. Even while studying, she wrote articles, especially about mathematics.
Hannah also cared about how teachers were trained and how maths was taught. She helped start the Alexandra College Guild, a group that worked to help people. This group even created a company to improve housing in Dublin, and Hannah was one of its directors.
Her Legacy
Around 1900, Hannah Moylan continued her studies, preparing for exams from Oxford University about the history and practice of education. After finishing these, she took a teaching job at the Saniah Girls School in Cairo, Egypt. She moved there in October 1901 to start teaching.
Sadly, Hannah became very ill with typhoid fever in June 1902. She passed away on June 15, 1902, in Cairo. She was buried there. At the time of her death, Hannah Alexandra Moylan was still the only woman to hold a science degree from the Royal University of Ireland. Her pioneering spirit opened doors for many women who came after her.
