Kathleen Dolan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kathleen Dolan
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| Born | 11 April 1921 Church Street, Strabane, County Tyrone
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| Died | 2003 (aged 81–82) Kathleen McDonnell, Una Dolan
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Kathleen Dolan (born 11 April 1921, died February 2003) was a pioneering Irish radio announcer. She made history as the very first female announcer for RTÉ Radio, Ireland's national broadcaster.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kathleen Dolan was born in Strabane, County Tyrone, on 11 April 1921. Her parents were James and Kathleen Dolan. She grew up with a sister and a brother. Her family later moved to Dublin.
Kathleen attended Loreto College in St Stephen's Green, Dublin. To improve her French language skills, she spent some time living near Rouen, France. She returned to Ireland just as World War II began.
Family Life and Later Years
In February 1950, Kathleen married Robin McDonnell. They had two sons together. Robin later became known as Count Robert McDonnell of the Glens.
After her husband passed away, Kathleen returned to Ireland in 1984. She died in February 2003 at her home in Dublin. She is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
A Voice on the Radio
Kathleen Dolan joined Radio Éireann in 1944. This was Ireland's main radio station at the time. Even though she was younger than the usual age for new staff, her clear speaking voice helped her become an announcer and newsreader.
She became very popular as the presenter of the weekly Hospitals' requests programme. This was Radio Éireann's most listened-to show, and Kathleen hosted it for six years.
Helping Others Through Radio
Kathleen was also very active in supporting medical charities. In 1949, she helped organize a special concert in Dublin. The money raised from this event helped to create the Rehabilitation Institute in Dublin that same year. This institute helps people recover from illnesses or injuries.
New Adventures and Children's Stories
Kathleen left Radio Éireann in 1950 when she got married. However, she returned in 1953 to host Between ourselves. This was a weekly magazine show for women.
She left the station again in 1956 when she and her husband moved to England. Later, Kathleen began writing stories for children. One of her stories, Sean the leprechaun, was even turned into a cartoon for television in 1971. It was shown in both English and Welsh.
