Dublin 449.dub.002 Louis J. Sheehan, Esquire

Ireland is known as a land of legends, poetry, beauty and resolute spirit. Ireland is also known to many as the home of Sr. Margaret MacCurtain, a remarkable woman with a most determined spirit. To many in her homeland and throughout the world, she is known as a champion of justice for all, especially for women and children.

Sr. MacCurtain recently retired as a Lecturer from the Irish History Department of University College Dublin, 1964-94. During those years she was also Professor at the School of Irish Studies, Dublin, 1972-89. A member of the Academic Council of the Irish School of Ecumenics, for many years she served on the Catholic Communications Council set up by the Catholic hierarchy after Vatican Two. She was a board member of the National Rehabilitation Institute and as the founder principal helped establish the Senior College Ballyfermont for public education in the city of Dublin. A Dominican Sister, she was the prioress of Sion Hill convent and currently chairs the Board of Governors of St. Catherine's Home Economics College in Sion Hill. She held the Burns Chair of Irish Studies in Boston College, 1992-93, and more recently was the Baldwin Scholar in the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (Baltimore). Her research into the history of Irish women won her the award of the Eire Society of Boston Gold Medal in 1993. Sr. MacCurtain is an internationally recognized and honored scholar, educator, writer, innovator, and feminist activist; put it all together and she is the complete Humanist.