Hilary Boyle facts for kids

Hilary Joyce Boyle (born October 25, 1899 – died October 21, 1988) was an amazing woman who worked as a journalist and broadcaster. She was also a strong activist, meaning she worked hard to bring about social and political change.

A Life of Action: Who Was Hilary Joyce Boyle?

Early Life and Travels

Hilary Joyce Thompson was born in London, England, on October 25, 1899. She was the second child of Winifred Helen Thompson and Gerald Alexander Thompson. Her father was a vicar, a type of priest, at St Gregory's church in Canterbury. He was also a canon of Canterbury Cathedral, which is a special role in the church.

Hilary went to an all-girls school in South London. In 1921, she married Charles Leofric Boyle, an officer in the British Army. Because of his job, they lived in many different places. Between 1925 and 1935, they lived in Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, and India.

Settling in Ireland

After living in India, Hilary Boyle moved back to England. Later, she decided to make Ireland her home. She lived in areas like Ballsbridge and Cabinteely for most of her life in Ireland.

A Voice for Change: Her Activism

Hilary Boyle was very passionate about making the world a better place. She first became a Roman Catholic, but later joined the Communist Party of Ireland. This shows she was always thinking about how society could be fairer.

She was involved in many important causes. She helped the Dublin Housing Action Committee, which worked to improve housing for people. She also joined the movement against the Vietnam War, speaking out for peace. Hilary made sure to march and protest on both sides of the border in Ireland.

She was also a part of the Irish anti-apartheid movement. This movement fought against a system in South Africa that treated people unfairly because of their race. Hilary also helped people who were homeless. She truly believed in helping those in need.

Writing and Broadcasting

Hilary Boyle was not just an activist; she was also a talented writer and broadcaster. She wrote for Woman's Way magazine, where she was the gardening editor. She also wrote many other articles for different publications.

She often wrote letters to the editor of Irish Times, sharing her opinions. She also contributed to Sunday Miscellany on Radio Éireann, which is a radio show. Hilary was even a guest on The Late Late Show more than once. This was a very popular TV talk show in Ireland.

In 1947, Hilary Boyle wrote a book for children called Every Common Bush. A Book of Flower Legends for Children. This shows her love for both writing and nature. Hilary Boyle passed away on October 21, 1988, in Bray, Ireland. She left behind a legacy of fighting for what she believed in and sharing her voice with the world.