Margaret Pender facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margaret Pender
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| Born |
Margaret Teresa Doherty
1848 Ballytweedy, County Antrim
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| Died | 17 March 1920 (aged 71–72) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Known for | Irish nationalist writing |
Margaret Pender (1848 – 1920) was an Irish writer from Belfast. She wrote many stories and poems. Her work often appeared in newspapers that supported Irish independence.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Margaret Pender was born Margaret Teresa Doherty in 1848. Her birthplace was Ballytweedy, near Templepatrick in County Antrim. Her parents were Daniel and Margaret Doherty. Her mother's family had a history of writing and supporting Irish causes. Margaret began writing poems when she was young.
She was taught at home and also went to Ballyrobin national school. Later, she attended the Convent of Mercy in Belfast. Margaret trained to be a teacher. She taught for a short time in Aghagallon. In 1869, she married Hugh Owen Pender, who was a printer. After their marriage, they moved to Belfast.
Her Writing Career
Margaret Pender's stories and poems were published in many newspapers. These included The Shamrock, the Belfast Morning News, and The Nation. She won several poetry competitions. She used different pen names for her work. Some of these were "Marguerite," "Colleen," and "M.T.P."
Her novels and short stories often had Irish nationalist themes. This means they supported the idea of Ireland being a free country. Her writing was popular in Ireland, America, and Australia.
Supporting Irish Causes
Margaret Pender did more than just write about Irish independence. She was also active in politics. She strongly supported Joseph Devlin, a well-known politician. Margaret became the president of the Belfast branch of the Irish Women's Association. She took over this role from Alice Milligan.
She gave talks to groups like Young Ireland and the Irish Women's Association. People were very keen to hear her speak. Her name alone was enough to attract a large audience.
Her Work on Film
In 1916, one of her novels became a film. The book was called O’Neill of the Glen. The film was also named O’Neil of the Glen (1916). This was a very important film. It was the first movie ever made by the Film Company of Ireland.
Sadly, no copies of the film still exist today. However, reviews from the time said the movie was very similar to Margaret Pender's book.
Later Life and Legacy
Margaret Pender passed away at her home in Belfast on March 17, 1920. She had three daughters and two sons. One of her sons, Justin, also became a published poet.
Some of her letters are kept safe in the British Library. Her novel Green Cockade was even turned into a radio play. It was broadcast in Irish by Raidió Teilifís Éireann.
Selected Works
- O’Neill of the Glen (1891)
- Some Men and Episodes of ’98 (1897)
- Green Cockade: A Tale of Ulster in Ninety Eight (1898)
