Though for centuries it was believed that the proper role for women was in the
home, there were always those who had the courage to carve out the lives they
wanted. Here are the stories of six women who broke barriers and became first
in their field in Ireland.
Catherine Hayes, Ireland’s first female opera singer, who was adored the world
over. Eleanora Fleury, first women in Ireland to qualify as a doctor, was also
Ireland’s first female psychiatrist. Lilian Bland built her own biplane and
took to the skies, becoming Ireland’s first woman pilot. Eileen Kennedy,
Ireland’s first female judge, headed a groundbreaking investigation into abuse
in reformatory schools. Brenda Fricker was the first Irish woman to win an
Oscar and Mary Robinson, youngest ever professor of law in Ireland, became
Ireland’s first female president.
Against the odds, the managed to succeed and shine. The Led the way.”