Kevin Izod O'Doherty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr Kevin O'Doherty
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| Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Town of Brisbane |
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| In office 22 June 1867 – 14 November 1873 Serving with Alexander Pritchard, Simon Fraser, Ratcliffe Pring, John Killeen Handy, Theophilus Pugh, George Edmondstone
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| Preceded by | William Brookes |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Member of the Queensland Legislative Council | |
| In office 12 May 1877 – 4 November 1885 |
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| Member of the British House of the Commons for North Meath |
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| In office 27 November 1885 – 7 July 1886 |
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| Preceded by | New seat |
| Succeeded by | Pierce Mahony |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kevin Izod O'Doherty
7 September 1823 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 15 July 1905 (aged 81) Brisbane, Australia |
| Resting place | Toowong Cemetery |
| Nationality | Irish Australian |
| Spouse | Mary Anne Kelly (m.1855 d.1910) |
| Alma mater | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
| Occupation | Surgeon, Journalist |
| Known for | The Irish Patriot |
Kevin Izod O'Doherty (born 7 September 1823 – died 15 July 1905) was an important Irish Australian politician. When he was younger, he was part of a group called the Young Irelanders. Because of his actions, he was sent away to Tasmania, Australia, in 1849.
Later, he became a politician in Australia. He was first elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly in 1867. In 1885, he went back to Europe. He served as a Member of Parliament in the British Parliament, supporting Irish self-governance. He returned to Brisbane, Australia, in 1886.
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Life and Early Career
Kevin O'Doherty was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 7 September 1823. He received a good education. He also studied medicine.
Before he finished his medical studies, he joined a political group called the Young Ireland party. In June 1848, he helped start a newspaper called The Irish Tribune. Only five issues of this newspaper were printed.
Arrest and Punishment
On 10 July 1848, O'Doherty was arrested. He was charged with serious actions against the government. After three trials, he was found guilty. He was sentenced to be sent away for 10 years.
In November 1849, O'Doherty arrived in Tasmania, Australia. He was allowed to live in Oatlands. He also worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Hobart. Other Irish prisoners called him 'St Kevin'.
In 1854, he received a pardon. This meant he was forgiven, but he could not live in Great Britain or Ireland. He went to Paris to continue his medical studies. He secretly visited Ireland to marry Mary Eva Kelly. They had been engaged before he left Ireland.
Return to Ireland and Australia
In 1856, O'Doherty received a full pardon. He finished his medical studies in Dublin. He graduated as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in 1857. He worked as a doctor in Dublin.
In 1862, he moved to Brisbane, Australia. He became a well-known and respected doctor there.
Political Career in Australia
Kevin O'Doherty was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly in 1867. This was a major step in his political life.
In 1872, he helped pass a new health law. He also spoke out against the practice of bringing workers from the Pacific Islands, known as kanakas.
In 1877, he moved to the Queensland Legislative Council. This is another part of the government. In 1885, he decided to resign. He planned to move back to Europe.
Return to Europe and Final Years
When O'Doherty arrived in Ireland, he was welcomed warmly. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for North Meath. This was for the British Parliament in 1885. He was part of the Irish Parliamentary Party.
However, the climate in Europe did not suit him. He decided not to seek re-election in 1886. He returned to Brisbane that same year.
He tried to restart his medical practice in Brisbane. Sadly, he was not very successful. Kevin O'Doherty passed away on 15 July 1905. He died in difficult financial circumstances.
Family Legacy
His wife, Mary Eva, and their daughter survived him. People raised money to help his widow. Mary Eva (1826–1910) was a poet. She was known for writing Irish patriotic poems. She sometimes wrote for Queensland newspapers in Australia. One of her poems is in a book called A Book of Queensland Verse. She died in Brisbane on 21 May 1910.
