November 19th , 1871
Margaret Emmeline Conway Dobbs, also known as Máire Mac an tSaoi, was born on November 04, 1922, in Cork, Ireland. She was an Irish historian, language activist, and poet. Her life and work spanned various fields, and she made significant contributions to Irish cultural and linguistic pursuits.
Dobbs was born at 41 Lower Leeson Street in Dublin on 19 November 1871, the fourth child to barrister Conway Edward Dobbs and Sara Mulholland.] Her father was Justice of the Peace for County Antrim, High Sheriff for Carrickfergus in 1875 and High Sheriff for County Louth in 1882.
The family spent time living in Dublin where Dobbs was born. She attempted to learn Irish. However, when her father died in 1898 her mother moved the family back to Glenariff. Her mother was Sarah Mulholland, daughter of St Clair Kelvin Mulholland Eglantine, Co. Down.
Dobbs was interested in learning Irish and found it easier to learn in Donegal where it was still spoken. Her first teacher was Hugh Flaitile. She attended the Irish College at Cloughaneely in the Donegal Gaeltacht. She brought the idea of promoting the language to the Glens of Antrim and her circle of friends.[7][8] Dobbs was one of the small number of Protestant women interested in the Gaelic revival
Birth
Máire Mac an tSaoi was born into a prominent Irish family. Her father, Seán MacEntee, was a leading political figure in the early years of the Irish Free State.
Language Activism
Máire was a strong advocate for the Irish language (Gaeilge) throughout her life. She was involved in language activism and promoted the use and preservation of the Irish language.
Historian
Máire Mac an tSaoi was a historian with a particular interest in early modern Irish history. Her academic contributions added to the understanding of Ireland’s past.
Poet
In addition to her academic pursuits, Máire was a poet. She wrote poetry in both Irish and English and received acclaim for her work.
Defender of Roger Casement
Máire Mac an tSaoi was known for her defense of Roger Casement, a key figure in Irish history who was executed for his role in the Easter Rising of 1916. She wrote about Casement and sought to rehabilitate his reputation.
University Career
Máire Mac an tSaoi had a distinguished academic career. She held positions at University College Dublin and was a professor of Modern Irish at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
Awards and Recognition
Máire received several awards for her contributions to Irish culture and scholarship, including the Gradam an Phiarsaigh (Pearse Award) for her promotion of the Irish language.
Máire Mac an tSaoi’s multifaceted contributions to Irish culture, language, history, and poetry mark her as a significant figure in the cultural landscape of Ireland. She played a role in preserving and promoting Irish cultural heritage throughout her life.
