Máirín Cregan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Máirín Cregan
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| Born | Mary Ellen Cregan 27 March 1891 Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland |
| Died | 9 November 1975 (aged 84) Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland |
| Pen name | Máirín Ní Chriagáin, Máirín Cregan, Mrs James Ryan, Máirín Ryan |
| Occupation | Nationalist, Writer |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Spouse | James Ryan (m. 1919) |
| Children | 2, including Eoin |
Máirín Cregan (born March 27, 1891 – died November 9, 1975) was an Irish writer and a strong supporter of Irish independence. She was involved in important historical events like the Easter Rising in 1916 and the Irish War of Independence. Later in her life, Máirín became well-known for writing books for children. She also wrote plays and novels for adults.
Early Life and Education
Máirín Cregan was born Mary Ellen Cregan on March 27, 1891. Her family lived in Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland. Her father, Morgan Cregan, was a stonemason from Limerick.
Máirín's family strongly believed in the Gaelic revival. This was a movement to bring back and celebrate Irish language and culture. Máirín learned the Irish language herself. She often sang Irish songs at concerts organized by the Gaelic League.
She went to primary school in her local area. For secondary school, she attended St. Louis Convent in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. After finishing school, Máirín became a teacher. She taught in Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, from 1911 to 1914.
Involvement in Irish Independence
In September 1914, Máirín moved to Dublin. She went there to study music at the Leinster School of Music. While in Dublin, she became friends with the Ryan family. They were also strong supporters of Irish independence. They were interested in the Gaelic League and Sinn Féin, a political party.
Máirín started singing at concerts that raised money for the Irish Volunteers. This group was preparing for a rebellion against British rule. Her last concert was just two weeks before the Easter Rising in 1916.
During Easter week, Máirín was given a dangerous task. She was sent to Tralee with weapons and ammunition. She carried a violin case that secretly held these supplies. She also carried important details for communicating with a ship called the Aud. This ship was bringing more weapons for the rebellion. However, the communication plan failed, and the ship's mission went wrong.
Máirín found it hard to get back to Dublin because the city was cut off. By the time she returned, many of her friends had been arrested. She was also working as a teacher in Rathmines. Like many teachers linked to the rebels, she lost her job after the Rising. However, she found new teaching jobs in Ballyshannon and Portstewart before she got married.
Máirín was a member of Cumann na mBan. This was an organization for women who supported Irish independence. She was very active during the Irish War of Independence. She even received a medal for her brave actions.
In July 1919, she married James Ryan. His entire family was deeply involved in the fight for independence. Máirín and James had three children. One of their sons, Eoin, later became a Senator.
During the war, the family lived in Wexford. Their house was often searched by British soldiers looking for her husband. Máirín herself was arrested in February 1921. This was because she refused to put up posters about Martial law. Martial law meant the military was in charge, not the usual government.
Later, Máirín worked for the Sinn Féin government. She also worked as a courier, carrying secret messages to other countries and to London. After the war, the family bought Kindlestown House in Delgany, County Wicklow, where they settled down.
Writing Career
After the war, Máirín Cregan became a journalist. She wrote for newspapers like The Irish Press and The Sunday Press. Because of her political background, she often wrote articles about politics.
Máirín became famous for her children's books. Her first book for children was called Old John. It was very successful and got a lot of attention around the world. Another of her books, Sean Eoin, was also published in Irish. It featured illustrations by the famous artist Jack Butler Yeats.
Her stories were also broadcast on radio and television. You could hear her work on the BBC and RTÉ. In 1943, her book Rathina won the Downey Award in the United States.
