Bryan, Deirdre

Smyly, Ellen (1814–1901), philanthropist, was born 14 November 1814, third daughter among seven children of Mathew Franks (1768–1853) of Jerpoint, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, and 28 Merrion Square, Dublin, and Mary Franks (née Fergusson; d. 1856). Ellen began her charity work in…

Smyth (Smith), John (1791–1858), catholic priest and founder of the Magdalen asylum, Drumcondra, Dublin, was born in Kells, Co. Meath, to a poor but hard-working Kells family, of whom no more is known. He acquired some skill in carpentry, which allowed him to travel to Dublin to…

Stoney, Florence Ada (1870–1932), radiologist, was born in Dublin, second daughter of George Johnstone Stoney (qv), scientist, and his wife Margaret of Parsonstown, King's Co. (Offaly), sister of…

Swayne, Seán (1933–96), catholic priest and liturgist, was born 9 May 1933 in Julia Creek, Queensland, Australia, younger of two sons of Edward Swayne, teacher and farmer, of Ballon, Co. Carlow, and Helen Swayne (née McAllister) of Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia. In 1937…

Sweeney, Michael (1886–1964), Oblate priest, was born 18 April 1886 in Carrigart, Co. Donegal, youngest among eight children; other details of his family and early life are not known. A native Irish-speaker, he was ordained into the congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate…

Talbot, Frances (c.1649–1731), duchess of Tyrconnell , was the eldest daughter and co-heir of Richard Jennings (Jenyns) (d. 1668) of Holywell House, Sandridge, Hertfordshire, England, MP for St Albans, and his wife Frances Thornhurst. Her sister was Sarah Churchill,…

Tanner, William Kearns (c.1811–1882), surgeon, was born probably in Cork, but details of his birth, background, and early life are unknown. He received his MD from the University of Glasgow in 1835, and studied under Dupuytren in…

Therry, John Joseph (1791–1864), catholic priest in Australia, was born in Cork city, son of John Therry and Eliza Therry (née Connolly). He was educated privately and in 1812 attended St Patrick's College, Carlow. After ordination (1815) by …

Torrens, David Smyth (1897–1967), professor of physiology and amateur horologist, was born 10 September 1897 in the Carragh district of Culnaman townland, Moneydig, Garvagh, Co. Londonderry, eldest son among three sons and a daughter of David Torrens, farmer, and Margaret Torrens…

Traquair, Phoebe Anna (1852–1936), mural artist, craftworker, bookbinder, and illustrator, was born 24 May 1852, third daughter of William Moss , physician, of Kilternan, Co. Dublin, and Teresa Moss (née Richardson), and was reared in Dublin and Wicklow. In her late teens she…

Turner, William (1871–1936), catholic bishop and professor of philosophy in the USA, was born 8 April 1871 in Ardkilmartin, near Kilmallock, Co. Limerick, in a farming family, son of Patrick Turner and Bridget Turner (née Carey). He was one of five sons and five daughters; three…

Walsh, John (1830–98), archbishop of Toronto, was born 23 May 1830 in Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny, son of James Walsh, farmer, and Ellen Walsh (née Macdonald). He was educated at the diocesan college, St John's College, Waterford, where he completed classical and philosophical courses…

Ward, Mary (1827–69), artist, naturalist, and astronomer, was born 27 April 1827 in Ballylin, near Ferbane, King's Co. (Offaly), youngest among three daughters and one son of the Rev. Henry King (1799–1857) of Ballylin, and Harriette King (née Lloyd), of Gloster, King's Co. Her…

Webb, Maria (1804–73), philanthropist and author, was born at Peartree Hill, near Lisburn, Co. Antrim, youngest child among two sons and one daughter of Thomas Lamb and his wife Dorothy, both members of the Religious Society of Friends. She was largely self-educated. In 1828 she…

White, Henrietta Margaret (1856–1936), principal of Alexandra College, Dublin, horticulturist, and social activist, was eldest child among three daughters and one son of Henry Charles White (1818–1903), of Charleville, Queen's Co. (Laois), JP…

Woodlock, Ellen (1811–84), philanthropist and social worker, was born 27 January 1811, second daughter among seven sons and four daughters of Martin Mahony (1764–1834) of Cork, woollen manufacturer, and his second wife, Maria (née Reynolds), of Roscreg. The Rev.…

Wright, Charles Henry Hamilton (1836–1909), Hebraist and theologian, was born 9 March 1836 in Dublin, second son among ten children of Edward Thomas Wright, Doctor of Laws (LLD), barrister, of Floraville, Donnybrook, Dublin, and his wife Charlotte (née Wright) of Beech Hill, Donnybrook…

Wright, William (1837–99), presbyterian missionary and author, was born 15 January 1837 at Finnards, near Rathfriland, Co. Down, youngest among three sons and two daughters of William Wright, farmer, and Jayne Wright (née Niblock). Educated at the local school in Ballykeel, he…