Rose Kavanagh facts for kids

Rose Kavanagh (born June 24, 1859 or 1860 – died February 26, 1891) was an Irish editor, writer, and poet. She was known for her creative work and for helping young people get involved in Irish culture.

Rose Kavanagh's Early Life and Career

Rose Kavanagh was born in Killadroy, County Tyrone, Ireland. When she was about eleven years old, her family moved to Mullaghmore, near Augher. She went to school at Loreto Convent in Omagh.

From Art to Writing

At first, Rose wanted to be a painter. She began studying art in Dublin at the Metropolitan School of Art. But over time, her interest shifted from art to writing. Soon, she started writing for many newspapers and magazines. Her work appeared in Ireland, the United States, and other places.

Working as an Editor

In the early 1880s, Rose worked as a sub-editor for a newspaper called The Irishman. She also helped edit another paper called The Shamrock. While working there, she met Katharine Tynan, who became a very close friend. Katharine described Rose as a tall girl with "fearless grey eyes" and a very honest look.

Rose lived for a time with Charles Kickham, a famous Irish nationalist who was blind. She took care of him until he passed away. He called her the "Rose of Knockmany," after a poem she had written.

The Irish Fireside Club

In 1887, Mrs. Dwyer Gray started a new section in the Freeman's Journal newspaper. It was called The Irish Fireside, and Rose Kavanagh became its editor. This job gave her office space that became a popular meeting spot. Many writers and friends gathered there, including famous people like Douglas Hyde and W. B. Yeats.

The Irish Fireside also led to the creation of the Irish Fireside Club. This was the largest club for children in Ireland during the late 1880s. Rose Kavanagh wrote for the club using the pen name "Uncle Remus." The club helped inspire many young people to become active in Irish culture and national groups later on.

Her Writings

Rose Kavanagh wrote for many different publications. These included the Dublin University Review, The Nation, The Shamrock, Young Ireland, and the Weekly Freeman. Her writing was admired by many, including Matthew Russell, who edited the Irish Monthly magazine. Her work was also introduced to readers in America through newspapers like the Boston Pilot and the Providence Journal.

Later Life

Rose Kavanagh had health problems for many years, suffering from tuberculosis. She was cared for by George Sigerson, a doctor who watched over her health. On his advice, she spent a winter in Italy, hoping to feel better. However, she missed her home and felt lonely there. She sadly passed away on February 26, 1891, after catching a cold while visiting her mother during Christmas. Many people wrote tributes to her in various publications, including W. B. Yeats, who wrote an obituary in the Boston Pilot.

Family

Rose Kavanagh had a brother named John, who passed away suddenly while studying to become a priest. She also had two sisters. One sister, Mrs. Campbell, helped care for Rose during her final illness. Her other sister, Ann (Meehan), moved to New Zealand and started a family there.