Belfast social reformer Mary Ann McCracken has, in recent years, risen in popular consciousness ─ thanks in large part to the initiative of Belfast City Council in raising a statue in her honour and to the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation. However, McCracken would probably be relegated to a footnote in the history of Belfast and the United Irish Movement were it not for her biographer, Mary A. McNeill.
Molly McNeill’s strong affinity with Mary Ann McCracken’s commitment to social reform and social justice is reflected in the books she wrote. Her work as an historian, however, came quite late in life; a life that was defined by public service in a myriad of organisations. Molly was an internationalist, an ecumenicist and a Christian pacifist. In the inter-war years, she was active in the international peace and ecumenical movements; in the aftermath of partition, she was central to efforts to achieve better relations between North and South – and between the ‘two traditions’ in the North. Through her interest in social work and social policy, she was instrumental in developing early progressive approaches and legislation in the areas of childcare, mental health and juvenile justice. Also, not to be forgotten, are her contributions in the fields of the arts and heritage.
Ruth Taillon has recently completed a biography of Molly McNeill. She will talk about Molly McNeill’s life and work and her many important contributions to the social, political and cultural life of this island.
Our Speaker:
Ruth has worked in both paid and voluntary capacities for peacebuilding, community development and cross-border cooperation on both sides of the border. She has written and researched extensively on the women’s movement in both parts of Ireland and has a strong interest in Irish women’s history. Ruth was Chair of the Mary Ann McCracken Historical Society (1992-2002) and is author of The Women of 1916: When History Was Made.
Planning Your Visit:
- Free car parking onsite at Clifton House
- Please advise in advance (min 2 days prior to your visit) of any accessibility requirements. We have steps and stairs coming into the building and to the first floor, but we can make alternative arrangements with advanced notice. For more information on accessibility please visit – https://cliftonbelfast.com/visit/accessibility/
- Cancellations & Refund Policy – Cancellations must be made within 24 hours of scheduled tour start time.
