Kathleen O'Flaherty facts for kids

Kathleen O'Flaherty was an amazing Irish scholar and writer. She was born on December 26, 1916, and passed away on July 21, 1994. Kathleen spent her career at University College Cork, where she taught and wrote about French literature.

Early Life and Learning Journey

Growing Up in Wexford

Kathleen Mary Josephine O'Flaherty was born in Enniscorthy, County Wexford. Her parents were Bernard Joseph O'Flaherty and Frances Mary Lewis. Kathleen's father was a well-known lawyer in their town.

School Days and College Success

Kathleen went to school at the Ursuline convent, St Mary's, in Waterford. After finishing secondary school, she studied for a year in France. She attended the Université Catholique de Lille.

Then, Kathleen went to University College Cork (UCC). In 1938, she earned her first degree in English and French. She was the first student to win the French government medal. She also won the Peel memorial prize.

Advanced Studies and Research

Kathleen continued her studies at UCC. In 1939, she earned her master's degree. Her research was about the writer A. E. Housman. Her teacher for this was Daniel Corkery.

She also earned a special scholarship for travel. But World War II started, so she could not use it. In 1943, she earned her Ph.D. Her final research was about François-René de Chateaubriand. He was a famous French writer.

Career and Achievements

Starting Her Professional Path

After finishing all her degrees, Kathleen O'Flaherty began working. She had a part-time job at University College Cork. She also taught at a school in Cork. This school was started by Mary and Eithne MacSwiney.

In these early years, Kathleen wrote several books. These included "Voltaire: myth and reality" (1945). She also wrote "Paul Claudel and ‘The tidings brought to Mary’" (1948).

Working at Cork University Press

In 1945, Kathleen started a new role. She became an assistant editor at Cork University Press. She worked closely with Alfred O'Rahilly. He was the president of UCC at the time. She stayed there until 1953.

Kathleen wrote many articles about French topics. Her work was published in several academic journals.

Teaching and Writing at UCC

Kathleen shared her home with Yvonne Servais. Yvonne was also a French lecturer at UCC. They lived together for the rest of their lives. They worked together on new courses for students. These were for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Kathleen was promoted to lecturer in 1954. In 1968, she became a reader. Then, in 1970, she became the Professor of French. She started writing even more books during this time.

Life in Rosscarbery and Paris

Kathleen and Yvonne lived in Rosscarbery, County Cork. But they spent a lot of time in Paris each year. They built up an amazing library of books. This collection was given to UCC after they passed away.

In 1972, the French government honored Kathleen. She was made a chevalier in the Ordre national du mérite. This is a very special award.

Later Years

Yvonne Servais passed away in June after a short illness. Kathleen O'Flaherty died shortly after. She passed away at the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork on July 21, 1994.