Ireland’s history is rich with powerful women whose contributions to education, the Irish language, and women’s rights have often been overlooked. Two such remarkable women are Úna Ní Fhaircheallaigh (Agnes O’Farrelly) and Agnes O’Farrelly. Both women were pioneers in the Irish Gaelic Revival, deeply committed to advancing women’s education, and key figures in Ireland’s fight for independence. This blog delves into their lasting legacies and why their impact is still felt today.

Úna Ní Fhaircheallaigh: The Forgotten Heroine of Irish Education

Úna Ní Fhaircheallaigh, born Agnes Winifred Farrelly in Cavan in 1874, was a pioneering figure in the Gaelic revival movement and Irish women’s education. She was the first woman to write a novel in the Irish language and was one of the earliest female scholars in Celtic studies. A fervent advocate for women’s rights in education, Úna was instrumental in founding Cumann na mBan, Ireland’s women’s nationalist organization, and was deeply involved in shaping the Camogie Association, where she played a critical role in establishing the Ashbourne Cup, a national inter-university competition for the sport.

Despite her friendship with key Irish figures like Douglas Hyde and Pádraig Pearse, Ní Fhaircheallaigh’s name has been somewhat lost to history. However, a recent TG4 documentary, Uan Uladh: Scéal Úna Ní Fhaircheallaigh, explores her profound impact on Irish culture, education, and women’s rights. According to the documentary’s host, Clíodhna Ní Chorráin, “Úna’s activism shaped education, politics, and the sporting world across Ireland.”

Ní Fhaircheallaigh’s work extended far beyond academia. On the Gaeltacht island of Inis Meáin, she advocated for female literacy at a time when most women were illiterate, leaving an indelible mark on the community. As principal of Ulster’s first Irish college in Donegal, she also influenced many emerging writers of the Irish Revival.

Agnes O’Farrelly: A Pioneer in Irish Women’s Education

Another towering figure in Irish education, Agnes O’Farrelly (who also sometimes used the pen name Uan Uladh) made significant strides in advancing women’s rights and the Gaelic language. Born in 1874 in Cavan, O’Farrelly was the first woman to serve as a professor of Irish at University College Dublin (UCD), following the great Douglas Hyde.

O’Farrelly was a force to be reckoned with in the fight for co-education. She successfully argued for the inclusion of women in UCD’s co-education program in 1909 and was a founding member of the Irish Association of Women Graduates. Alongside her academic achievements, O’Farrelly also played a role in Ireland’s political movements. As a prominent member of the Gaelic League and a supporter of Roger Casement, she gathered a petition in an attempt to save him from execution after the 1916 Easter Rising. Her stance on civil war prevention and women’s equality also set her apart as a visionary who believed Irish independence would be meaningless without gender equality.

Brian Maye’s article on Agnes O’Farrelly in The Irish Times highlights her extensive influence, particularly through her novels and critical works. One of her most important pieces, Smaointe ar Árainn, provided insights into the lives of women and children on the Aran Islands and reinforced her belief in women’s equality. She also founded the UCD Camogie Club and was president of the Irish Industrial Development Association.

The Legacy: Forgotten but Revived

While both Úna Ní Fhaircheallaigh and Agnes O’Farrelly contributed significantly to Irish culture and women’s rights, their stories have largely been forgotten in mainstream history. However, their legacies endure through their work in education, their advocacy for women’s rights, and their roles in the Gaelic Revival. Thanks to modern documentaries, books, and scholarly attention, their incredible achievements are starting to be rediscovered and appreciated.

Both women exemplified courage and determination, working to ensure that future generations of Irish women would have access to education and equal rights. As Ireland continues to honor its past, the work of these pioneers serves as an inspiration for today’s ongoing fights for equality and education.

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