Phyllis Ryan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phyllis Ryan
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Ryan in 1964
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Philomena Frances Ryan
28 February 1895 Taghmon, County Wexford, Ireland
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| Died | 19 November 1983 (aged 88) Dublin, Ireland
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| Resting place | Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
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Philomena Frances Ryan (born February 28, 1895 – died November 19, 1983) was an important Irish chemist and a strong supporter of Irish independence. She became the second wife of Seán T. O'Kelly, who later became the President of Ireland.
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Who Was Philomena Ryan?
Philomena Frances Ryan was born on February 28, 1895. Her parents, John and Elizabeth Ryan, were farmers in Tomcoole, near Taghmon, County Wexford, Ireland. She was the youngest of six sisters and five brothers.
Growing Up in a Nationalist Family
The Ryan family was very involved in the fight for Irish independence. Their home was even used as a meeting place during the War of Independence. Philomena's brother, James Ryan, was an Irish Volunteer and later became a senior government minister.
Philomena and her sisters were part of Cumann na mBan. This was an organization for women who supported Irish independence. Some of her sisters were even arrested after the Easter Rising. Three of her sisters married important Irish leaders: Seán T. O'Kelly, Richard Mulcahy, and Denis McCullough.
A Bright Student and Chemist
Philomena went to a small local school and then to Loreto Abbey in Gorey. She then studied at University College Dublin. In 1916, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. The next year, she completed her master's degree.
She was the only woman in her class. Philomena was also only the fifth female scientist to graduate from the National University of Ireland.
Fighting for Irish Freedom
While Philomena was in college, the Easter Rising happened in 1916. She and her sisters went to the General Post Office, Dublin to help. They worked as messengers, carrying important information. The Ryan sisters also tried to get the British army to stop shooting at Red Cross locations.
Before the Rising, Philomena and her sisters helped hide secret meetings. They would pretend to be on dates with the men to make their gatherings look innocent.
From 1919 to 1921, during the War of Independence, Philomena balanced her chemistry work with her political activities. She was a member, and even a captain, in Cumann na mBan. She managed to avoid arrest and helped support those who were imprisoned.
When the Irish Civil War started, Philomena supported the anti-Treaty side. This meant she disagreed with the peace treaty that ended the War of Independence. She even wrote to her sister Min, saying she would not speak to her or her husband, Richard Mulcahy, during the war. Mulcahy was a general in the Free State army.
A Pioneer in Chemistry
Philomena worked with Professor Hugh Ryan and published research papers. Some of their studies were funded by Nobels Ltd. She traveled to London to train as a public analyst. A public analyst checks food, water, and other products to make sure they are safe.
When she returned to Dublin, she worked in a college laboratory. In 1925, she opened her own laboratory on Dawson Street in Dublin. She chose to hire other female graduates. Eventually, Philomena became the public analyst for 12 county councils in Ireland. For many years, she was the only female public analyst in the country.
Philomena was also a founder of the Irish Chemical Association. She served on its committee, was a vice-president, and later became its president from 1940 to 1941. In 1934, she joined the first industrial research council.
Life as the President's Wife
In September 1936, Philomena married Seán T. O'Kelly. He was the widower of her sister, Mary Kate, who had passed away in 1934. Philomena and Seán T. O'Kelly did not have any children together.
Her husband became the President of Ireland in 1945. At this point, Philomena stopped her career as a chemist. She enjoyed hobbies like flower arranging and playing bridge. In June 1946, she organized a special reunion at Áras an Uachtaráin (the President's official residence) for members of Cumann na mBan.
Seán T. O'Kelly served two terms as President before retiring in 1959. The couple then moved to Roundwood, County Wicklow. Seán T. O'Kelly passed away in 1966. Philomena died on November 19, 1983, at the age of 88, in Dublin. Both Philomena and her husband are buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
