Phyllis Ryan

Philomena Frances Ryan (28 February 1895 – 19 November 1983) was an Irish chemist and nationalist and the second wife of President of Ireland, Seán T. O'Kelly. Early life and family Philomena Frances Ryan was born on 28 February 1895 to John Ryan and Elizabeth (née Sutton), farmers in Tomcoole, near Taghmon, County Wexford. Ryan was the youngest of six sisters and five brothers. They were a nationalist family who "played an important role in revolutionary politics and helped shape the new Free State." Their home was used as a headquarters in the War of Independence. Her brother, James Ryan was an Irish Volunteer who became a senior Fianna Fáil Minister. Ryan and her sisters were involved in Cumann na mBan, two of whom were arrested and imprisoned after the Easter Rising. Three of her sisters went on to marry Seán T. O'Kelly, Richard Mulcahy, and Denis McCullough respectively. Ryan was educated in the small nearby national school at Caroreigh and in the Loreto Abbey in Gorey. For third level she went to University College Dublin, where she graduated with a B.Sc. in chemistry in 1916, followed by her master's degree the following year. She was the only woman in her year and only the fifth female scientist to have graduated from the National University of Ireland. Nationalism During her time in college, the Easter rising took place. Ryan reported for duty at the General Post Office, Dublin with her sisters, where they acted as messengers. The Ryan sisters also attempted to get the British army to stop firing on Red Cross locations. In the lead up to the events she and her sisters had acted as cover for the men meeting up, accompanying them to make it look like they were out with their girlfriends.