Robert Rowlette facts for kids

Robert James Rowlette (born October 16, 1873 – died October 13, 1944) was an Irish doctor and a politician. He was known for being an independent voice in Irish politics. He later became a member of the Seanad Éireann, which is like the upper house of the Irish parliament.

Early Life and Education

Robert Rowlette was born on October 16, 1873, in Carncash, County Sligo, Ireland. He was the second son of Matthew and Kezia Rowlett. He always used the spelling 'Rowlette' for his own name.

He went to Sligo Grammar School. In 1891, he started studying at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He did very well, graduating in 1895 with high honors in ethics and logic.

While at TCD, he was very active. He was president of the University Philosophical Society in 1896–97. He also won a gold medal for his speaking skills from the College Historical Society in 1899.

In 1893, he began studying medicine alongside his other courses. He earned his medical degrees (MB and B.Ch.) in 1898 and became a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1899. Robert Rowlette was good at many things, easily moving between his medical and political work.

A Busy Career

Dr. Rowlette held many important positions in the medical field. He was the president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. He also led the Royal Irish Academy of Medicine.

He was the editor of the Journal for the Irish Medical Organisation. He worked at several hospitals, including Mercer's Hospital. He also taught at TCD as a professor of materia medica and pharmacy. Materia medica is the study of medicines. He also taught pharmacology at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Pharmacology is the study of how medicines affect the body.

Sports and War Service

Robert Rowlette was a talented athlete when he was younger. He was especially good at track events and long-distance running at Trinity College Dublin. He was also a member of the Dublin University Harriers, a running club.

His love for long-distance running continued throughout his life. He competed when he was younger. Later, he helped manage athletic groups like the Irish Amateur Athletics Association. After 1922, he worked with the National Athletic and Cycling Association of Ireland.

He was the official doctor for the British Olympic team at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. He also served as the doctor for the Irish teams at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris and the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. These were the first times an independent Irish team competed in the Olympics.

During World War I, he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He reached the rank of Lieutenant colonel before leaving the army. He was recognized for his brave service in France.

Becoming a Politician

Robert Rowlette became a politician in 1933. He was elected without anyone running against him to the 8th Dáil. The Dáil is the main house of the Irish parliament. He represented the Dublin University area. This happened in a special election on October 13, 1933.

He was the first politician elected to the Dáil who did not have to take an oath to the British Crown. This oath had been removed a few months earlier.

In 1938, the university areas that he represented moved from the Dáil to the Seanad Éireann. The Seanad is another part of the Irish parliament. Rowlette was elected to the Seanad three times in a row: to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Seanads. He tried to be re-elected in 1944 but lost by only 5 votes.

Later Life

During World War II, Dr. Rowlette helped prepare for air-raid casualties in Dublin. He worked with Mercer's Hospital and St. Bricin's military hospital to get ready for emergencies.

He passed away on October 13, 1944, at his home in Dublin. He was survived by his wife, Gladys Muriel, and their son. He was buried in Enniskerry cemetery in County Wicklow.