Mná 100 - Pioneering Professional Women

Pioneering Professional Women ‘Women in the Inspectorate before and after the establishment of the Irish Free State’

Introduction

Photograph by Declan Gilroy, School Classroom, 1970s.

Scan copyright Photo Album of the Irish. Contributed by Kathy Gilroy-Barry.

Courtesy of Photo Museum Ireland

This photo-essay was created by MNÁ100 in partnership with Frances Moss and Fintan O’Mahony, Post-Primary History Inspectors with the Department of Education.

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Introduction

As part of our daily work as inspectors, we are fortunate to work

possible by the generous contributions of former col-

acknowledged by scholars in Ireland and abroad for their

with so many incredible women across the education system

leagues whose institutional memories are woven between

contributions. It is timely with the marking of the formation

and it is hard to imagine a time when the work of inspectors or

the fabric of work carried out by inspectors every day to

of the Department of Education post-independence that

indeed school leaders was not considered a role for women.

support improvements across the education system..

their lives be celebrated and acknowledged.

As you explore the photo essay there will also be oppor-

In the 21st Century, we take for granted and expect that women will be appointed to roles in education such as,

Marking Mná100, this photo-essay focuses on the period

tunaties to hear from historian Patrick O’Donovan on the

principals and inspectors but this was not always the case.

leading up to independence in 1922 and identifies the first

history of women in the Inspectorate and from former in-

From the establishment of the Primary Education system

female inspectors, the reason women joined the inspec-

spectors Maura Clancy, Emer Egan and Doreen McMorris,

in 1831 women have always been central to the teaching

torate and why were there so few women inspectors

all pioneers in their own right. This Mná100 centenary

profession. However, it was not until the latter end of the

throughout the period. The essay will also examine the

photo-essay originated as an internal project within the

20th Century that women held positions in the Depart-

impact on the inspectorate of the establishment of the

Department of Education Inspectorate. Frances Moss and

ment of Education Inspectorate in any significant numbers.

Department of Education in 1924, and it explores the

Fintan O’Mahony explored the history of the Inspectorate

Like other roles in the civil service, both systemic and

careers of several women inspectors before and after the

through the lens of women’s involvement particularly

historical barriers hindered women from taking on certain

establishment of the Department. The latter half of the

as the country moved through the turbulent period of

positions, particularly senior and managerial ones.

photo essay gives an overview of the educational devel-

independence, the establishment of the Free State in

In many ways, the history of women in the Inspectorate

opments in the new State and subsequently the Republic

1922 up to the introduction of 1998 Education Act. The

mirrors progress made in wider society regarding equal

up to the Education Act in 1998.

framework for this work was provided by the scholarship of Patrick O’Donovan and John Coolahan, drawing on their

status. However, their story also embraces the development of the education system to include post-primary

Our work with Mná100 has yielded new insights, sources

work, ‘The Stanley Letter: The National School System and

and vocational sectors and developments in curriculum,

and links to the importance of Inspectors and their con-

Inspectors in Ireland, 1831 – 1922’, Patrick O’Donovan, and,

particularly around the expansion of subjects available to

tributions to the evolution to the Irish Education system.

‘A history of Ireland’s school inspectorate, 1831–2008’, John

girls. Many of the women we have chosen to explore have

In addition it also highlights contributions of inspectors

Coolahan and Patrick O’Donovan.

been central to these developments but we are conscious

to broader aspects of Irish life in the fields of politics, arts

that there are so many more stories to tell.

and crafts and contributions of inspectors to Irish society in We hope you find this photo-essay thought-provoking organisations, societies and charities.

and enjoyable.

pioneering women is part of the women’s strand of the

It has been important to note that we have discovered as

Frances Moss & Fintan O’Mahony

Decade of Centenaries Programme. It has been made

part of this exploration that these women are known and

This centenary photo-essay marking the contributions of

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Establishment of the Inspectorate

Women in the Inspectorate before and after the establishment of the Irish Free State In September 1831, Edward Stanley, Chief Secretary for Ireland, provided money to the Lord Lieutenant to establish a board to oversee the establishment of a system of national education that was responsible to government.

This was, in retrospect, a seismic moment in Irish education. The following year, 1832, a state school Inspectorate system was established. The first four inspectors were recruited in May 1832, two Catholics and two Protestants, and each was assigned to the provinces of Munster, Ulster, Connacht and Leinster. All four were men.

Hugh Hamill Robert Sullivan Thomas Jaffray Robertson John Fisher Murray

Letter from Chief Secretary for Ireland Edward Stanley to the Duke of Leinster to establish the National School system.

Courtesy of Department of Education T

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Establishment of the Inspectorate

Stanley envisaged that an inspection process would

From the outset, recruitment reflected the view of inspec-

ensure the implementation of regulations:

tors as ‘gentlemen’ and they were not appointed by competition. The principles used were denominational bal-

It was accepted wisdom of the day that a state supported

ance and the patronage built into the education system.

education system should include a formal inspectorial di-

However, in 1854 the Northcote-Trevelyan Report turned

mension to ensure that regulations were fulfilled and that

the British Civil Service away from patronage and towards

teachers were accountable for their performance…

appointment of inspectors on merit through examination.

The Trevelyan mentioned here, incidentally, is the same

In the context of the religious sensitivities in Ireland of that

person who earned infamy during the Famine and whose

time, the inspectors would help to uphold the foundation

infamy is perpetuated in The Fields of Athenry.

principle of the new system and act as guarantors against The first examination for entry to the Inspectorate was held

proselytism in the schools (O’Donovan, 2017).

in 1860 on a programme of subjects determined by the The newly formed inspectorate built on the work of the

Board of Education. Appointments were exclusively of men

Kildare Place Society set up in 1811 to explicitly cater to

in this period, and by 1868 there were sixty-four inspectors.

the demand for education among the Catholic poor. The Society had developed a model of school inspection after 1818 with government funding. O’Donovan (2017), highlights that another aspect inherited from the Kildare Place Society was the …conception of the inspector as a gentleman who could represent the Board and who would also have authority among schoolmasters.

Ballydrehid National School Inspectors book 1873-1921.

Courtesy of Tipperary Studies

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Women’s earliest involvement with the Board of Commissioners as School Organisers

Prior to the introduction of examinations and the award of degrees to women, there were women who worked for the Board. Beginning in 1856, a special category of employee known as ‘organisers’ was established to assist schools in preparing timetables and curriculum arrangements. The ‘organiser’ positions were open to national schoolteachers.

There were fifteen organising teachers appointed in 1856, and three of these were women. These were the first women appointed to a significant official role under the Commissioners of National Education. They played a very important role in supporting schools and it is very important to recognise their work and considerable contribution to the promotion of better schooling and standards of education. In essence, the establishment of this group of woman to support schools can be seen as one of the earliest forms of what we call today the ‘Department’s Support Services’.

Irish Educational Year Book 1914 pg 38, Educational Company of Ireland.

Courtesy of National Library of Ireland

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Appointment of the first female Inspectors

While the national school system offered opportunities for women to train as teachers and become organisers, it was not until the end of the century did the chance for women to progress further begin to open up.

With more universities beginning to open up to women and the change in recruitment practice based on examinations as the entry requirement for the Civil Service, it is from the early twentieth century that we see women being appointed as inspectors.

The earliest identified female Inspector was Mary Prendergast, who was appointed ‘Directress of Needlework in National Schools’ in 1888 after many years of men inspecting needlework. A combined literacy and skillbased industrial programme was devised for senior girls at the time and special industry departments were established in national schools. Many convent national schools, some of which had already established such programmes for girls, joined the state funded system in 1888.

Example of Lace by Emily Anderson.

Courtesy of National Museum of Ireland T

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Appointment of the first female Inspectors

In 1889, a new curriculum, with Needlework as a subject, was published and distributed to the 5,000 national schools in Ireland which had at least one female teacher and had senior girls. Needlework had long been a feature of the curriculum for girls; previously it replaced algebra, which was only taught to boys. Mary Prendergast believed that: …using their hands gave young women habits of neatness, perseverance and discipline, skills that would stand them in good stead in Ireland, or in America (O’Donovan, 2017).

The Agricultural and Technical Instruction Act of 1899 established the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction [DATI], which began work in 1900 and a Faculty of Education was established as part of its work. DATI began to appoint agricultural instructors around the country under the Local Government Act of 1898, to both teach and demonstrate the science of food production.

As part of the work in technical instruction in schools, a small group of female inspectors, which included Emily Anderson, Inspectress of Home Industries and Margaret Lough, Inspectress of Domestic Economy, worked for the DATI. The earliest women in the Inspectorate were referred to as ‘Miss’ in reports.

Example of Lace by Emily Anderson.

Courtesy of National Museum of Ireland T

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Donegal cottage industries, lace making school by Robert French. Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland, L_ROY_09178 T

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Appointment of the first female Inspectors

In the annual report of DATI for 1909-10, Miss Anderson,

inspectorate throughout the revolutionary period between

Inspectress of Home Industries, is named in the sections

1916 and 1923.

which outline the quality of provisions of the lace industry, crochet, needlepoint and sprigging (the decoration of

Miss Lough, Inspectress in Domestic Economy was a

pottery with small, separately moulded designs). She

Methodist born in Co Galway, was also recorded as

makes the vocational nature of teaching and learning, and

an Inspector in the census of 1911, when staying on the

indeed of the inspections, clear in her report on needle-

evening in question in Antrim, probably prior to a school

work and sewing:

visit the following day.

This work is educational rather than commercial. Girls

Even though Miss Lough and Miss Anderson were each

are trained in cutting-out and fitting; making and mend-

known as an ‘Inspectress’ they were employed specifically

ing; shirt-making generally forms an important part of the

to inspect Home Industries as part of the work of the

Course. The garments produced are mainly intended for

Department of Agriculture (DATI). This was a separate

home use, or for charitable distribution. In some instances,

independent entity. It was not directly linked to either the

pupils have gone direct from these classes to situations

National Board or the Intermediate Board that were in

with dressmakers as ‘improvers’, and orders are occasion-

charge of primary and secondary education provision at

ally executed for local drapers; but the main object of the

the time. In the primary and secondary systems, school

instruction is to train girls in household sewing, and habits

inspection remained solely the domain of male inspectors

of thrift and economy. Efficiently conducted, these classes

until 1909.

are of much service to a district.

Miss Anderson, from Co. Cork, began her career in the Cork School of Art (now ‘the Crawford’) before teaching in

Work from Molly-Claire Gillett

Cork. Expert in lace, some of her work included templates Miss Anderson continued in this position for a number

which were often used in schools. These were produced

of years and is listed on the 1911 Census. She, like many

before she began working for the DATI in 1900 and now

Inspectors since, was on the road, visiting Letterkenny,

reside in the Victoria and Albert Museum and in the

Donegal, on that night. Miss Anderson remained in the

National Gallery Decorative Arts Division.

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Portrait of Emily Anderson. Used with permission of Rev Matsuura of St Barnsabas’ Church, Diocese Kitakanto of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai, Kusatsu, Japan.

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The first ‘Woman Inspector’ of National Schools

Another inspector noted:

As part of the reorganisation of the Inspectorate at the turn

Under the new recruitment regime in place she was

of the twentieth century there was a substantial reduction

appointed in an open competition in 1909. Although she

of salary payable to new inspectors. In line with develop-

was appointed as a junior inspector the ‘treasury insisted, to

… that she bore the fatigue of travelling quite well but

ments in Britain, the Commissioners invited applications

her chagrin, that she be described as a ‘Woman Inspector’

hastened to add that unfavourable weather conditions

from women for the first time in 1908 for ‘junior inspector-

and subject to civil service regulations that appointment

in winter might test her powers of endurance… however

ships’. It may have been the case that a reduction in salary

would end on marriage. This was an example of what

she was a thoroughly competent judge alike of the

for junior inspectors, justified and facilitated the way for a

later became known as ‘the marriage bar’, which became

general merit of a teacher and the educational worth

new group of appointees.

one of the main barriers to female participation in the civil

of a school

service.

Dr Starkie (Resident Commissioner in Ireland 1899-1920) was responsible for the reorganisation of the primary

It must be noted that the Commissioners continued to

curriculum, restructuring of teachers pay and the inspec-

employ a substantial number of women as ‘organisers’ and

torate at the turn of the century. While that is a different

they too were subject to the regulation of the civil service

story and the implications of these reforms there is plenty

that their appointment would terminate on marriage.

written about this period and images are available online

As part of her training, Mary Bell Pye worked under the

of Starkie, such as, The Dictionary of Irish Biography.

stewardship of senor inspectors, one of whom noted that he found her;

The first woman appointed as a National School Inspector was Mary Bell Pye from Galway. She was an honours

Rather diffident about the making of notings in the Obser-

graduate of the Royal University with a teaching diploma

vation Books … I am afraid that ladies are ill fitted to stand

from Cambridge. At the time of her appointment she

the physical strain of an inspector’s life

had been lecturing in Dominican College, Eccles Street.

Further information on the history of the Dominican Sisters, the schools they established and specifically on the school formerly situate on Eccles St in Dublin can be found at the link below: Further Information

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The first ‘Woman Inspector’ of National Schools

Another woman appointed the following year was Margaret Mary Josephine Bourke from Charleville, who was staying in Maryborough (now Portlaoise) on the night of the 1911 Census. A former science mistress, Margaret Bourke remained in the Inspectorate for a considerable time and reports made of her by senior inspectors indicated that she was ‘to bear up remarkably well when travelling in ‘rough weather’ and was always able for her duty. ’She was also reported to ‘display skill, sympathy, courtesy and sound judgement’.

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The first ‘Woman Inspector’ of National Schools

As well as those mentioned above, the following inspectors

While we have identified these pioneering women as the first

appear on the 1911 Census, along with a number of women

‘Woman Inspectors’, very few women were actually in the

who served as Inspectors of School Attendance: Mary

service of the Commissioners in the period up to 1922.

McConnell (School Inspector), Mary (later Miriam) Roche

The decade from 1912 up to 1922 was one of deep divisions,

Kelly (School Inspector), Mary Gynn (Assistant Inspector of

bitterness and war in Ireland. The period witnessed some

Sewing Work) and Grace Austin (Kindergarten Organiser).

of the most significant events in Ireland’s history, a period of unprecedented violence, death, destruction and forced resettlement but it also resulted in major changes in government and political boundaries. Throughout this turbulent period however, for the national school system inspections continued. Albeit though inspectors faced increasing danger and difficulty in travelling, particularly at night to continue with their inspections of schools (O’Donovan, 2017).

Ballydrehid National School Inspectors book 1873-1921.

Courtesy of Tipperary Studies.

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Independence 1920, Ireland was effectively partitioned, and the state of Northern Ireland was created. Despite the civil disturbance and the and conflict that continued both in the North and South went ahead for the division of the country’s Establishment arrangements civil service. Most inspectors made arrangements suitable to themselves and a large number of transfers took effect of the Irish from the beginning of January 1922 (O’Donovan, 2017). Like other civil servants, some inspectors retired and accepted Free State pensions under the terms of the Treaty (Maguire, 2008).

With the passing of the Government of Ireland Act in

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Entrance to Offices, Primary Branch, Department of Education, Marlborough St, Dublin. Illustrations from drawings by Séan O’Sullivan (RHA) featured in Saorstat Eireann.

Ballydrehid National School Inspectors book 1873-1921.

Courtesy of National Library of Ireland, POOLEWP 4467

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education, the new Free State saw its purpose were employed within the Inspectorate during this period, Chapter III, The Investigation into the System of Inspection Post-Independence Concerning as being to undo the centuries of Anglicisation, counterand those few were aligned with Domestic Science almost of Primary Schools, describes the setting up of a Commit1922- 1970, balanced by the promotion of Irish language and culture. tee of Enquiry by the Minister for Education to investigate exclusively. the system of inspection, and to make recommendations Primary Inspectorate The Department of Education was male-dominated and reflected the inherent conservatism of the Church and

The Department’s report for 1925-26-27 gives us great

society at the time. Even though there were thousands of

insight into the provision of education at all levels, primary,

women employed as teachers in primary schools, only a

secondary, vocational and training, and reformatory and

few were appointed to the role of ‘inspector.’ Some of the

industrial schools. It outlines the quality of the provision

‘Woman Inspectors,’ namely, Miss Anderson, Miss Lough,

and the challenges the education system faced such

and Miss Bourke, did transfer to the new Free State De-

as the difficulties with the supply of teachers for certain

partment of Education after 1922, but very few women

subjects like woodworking crafts.

for reform.

Construction of comprehensive school, Co. Donegal. 1923-2010.

By Denis Tynan.

Courtesy of National Library of Ireland, NPA TYN1433

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Post-Independence 1922- 1970, Primary Inspectorate

The Committee consisted of three representatives of the Managers of National Schools, a representative of the Christian Brothers, three representatives of the Irish Annual Statistical Reports from 1923 to the present are available on the Department of Education website https://www.education. ie/en/publications/statistics/ statistical-reports/

National Teachers’ Organisation and three inspectors nominated by the Minister for Education. The images above outline some of the recommendations which were to come into force from 1928 onwards.

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Significant Inspectors: Johanna Mary Power (Siobhan de Paor) 1897-1969

Johanna Power was one of four children born to Patrick and his wife Catherine (née Slattery). Her father was a farmer, a cattle and pig dealer in Tralee, County Kerry. In time he became one of the leading pig buyers in Munster.

Jo’s had an older brother John (b. 13 February 1892) and an older sister Margaret Mary ‘Cis’ (b. 13 February 1893) and a younger sister Hannah who died 15 days after her birth in November 1899. Their mother Catherine had died as a result of the childbirth. Their aunt Johanna Power helped to raise the children until her own untimely death when Jo was just 13 years old.

It is not documented where Jo was educated but it was likely to have been at the Presentation Covent Tralee where her mother’s sister, Sr. Dominic Slattery was a nun.

In 1909 her brother John left Tralee to enter the Dominican order. He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1916, later known as Rev. John Hyacinth Power.

Cis and Jo became National School Teachers. Jo also obtained a Master’s Degree.

Portrait of Johanna Power.

Courtesy of Kilmainham Gaol KMGLM.20PC-1B54-13

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Birth Registration of Johanna Power 1897 Courtesy of Irishgeneology.ie

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Significant Inspectors: Johanna Mary Power (Siobhan de Paor) 1897-1969

The Power home was a centre of political activity. Their

The women were brought to Kilmainham Jail. In May,

father and his older brother Mick were involved were part

the Power sisters were moved to the North Dublin Union

of the revolutionary organisation known as the Fenian

(NDU), a disused workhouse. The first couple of days, due

Brotherhood who advocated freedom by use of arms,

to overcrowding they slept outside, as they later wrote:

were also active in the Land League and had set up the

‘beds were made up outside, so out we went with only

Gaelic Athletic Association in Tralee against considerable

God’s sky and stars as our canopy!’ Later they shared a

opposition. Later, as President of Tralee Sinn Féin, Paddy

small dormitory with Grace Plunkett, who made watercol-

Power’s home became a centre of activities for those

ours for the Power sisters, one entitled ‘If Winter Comes’

opposing British rule. Another of his sisters Mary married

and ‘When the Girls Come Home.’ [Private Collection,

Maurice Moynihan who was active in the Irish Republican

reproduced with permission].

Brotherhood.

During their imprisonment at the request of the HonourIn their 20s the Power sisters were members of Cumann

able Albinia Brodrick (who was also one of the County

na mBan, and were listed in the organisation at the time of

Kerry prisoners) producing a magazine entitled the ‘NDU

the Truce. Along with their father they opposed the terms

Invincible’ with items to amuse and inform their fellow

of the Treaty and became active in the Irish Civil War.

prisoners, each copy was handwritten.

On 14 March 1923 Jo Power and Cis (Mairead de Paor) were arrested and held in Tralee Jail along with their cousin Han Moynihan, who they later described as a ‘danger to the state’. They were arrested in Tralee because they were producing a privately typed newssheet ‘The Invincible.’

They had been using a typewriter making each copy individually. It was hidden in the priory of the Dominican Church.

Tralee Cumann na mBan Battilion 1st July 1922 Courtesy of Courtesy of Military Archives MA-MSPC-CMB-110 T

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Significant Inspectors: Johanna Mary Power (Siobhan de Paor) 1897-1969

In October, 1923, Jo was released from prison on compassionate leave to visit a dying school friend Josephine Daly.

When she returned she smuggled in her camera. Two days after her return to NDU she was released with her unique record, photographs of her fellow prisoners.

In the 1920s Paddy Power supported Fianna Fáil, and was president of the Roger Casement Cumann. Jo and Cis’s cousin Maurice Moynihan became private secretary to Eamon de Valera in 1932. In 1937 he became Secretary to the Government. Their father died the following year.

In 1930s Jo Power joined the inspectorate.

On 3 March 1956 it was reported in the Southern Star that Miss J Power National School Inspector from the Bandon District of County Cork was being transferred to Limerick.

That year her brother Rev. John Power was killed in a cycling accident.

In December 1968 and January 1969 The Kerryman published excerpts from ‘Blaze Away With Your Little Gun’ the Power Sisters’ Jail Journal.

Jo Power died on 7 February 1969 and is buried in Rath ’When the Girls Come Home’

by Grace Plunkett Courtesy of Kilmainham Gaol KMGLM.20PC-1B54-12

Cemetery joining her family members. Her sister Margaret had predeceased her, 28 February 1968.

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‘Students in home economics classroom in comprehensive school, Co. Donegal 1923-2010.

By Denis Tynan Courtesy of National Library of Ireland, NPA TYN1406 T

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Post-Independence 1922- 1970, Primary Inspectorate

Domestic Science and Domestic Economy (known

There was a relatively small number of women appointed

elsewhere by then as Home Economics) are mentioned

as primary inspectors after independence in 1922. These

frequently in the Annual Reports of the Department of

included Bríd Ní Mhurchadha (served 1923-59), Siobhán

Education. These inspectors were not confined to visiting

de Paor (no official dates on record) and Nora Bastabal

schools; two Inspectors Catherine Donovan and Catherine

(1932-64). It seems extraordinary that forty years passed

Beveridge attended the 1939 International Federation of

before Cristíne Ní Nualláin was appointed in 1975 (Cristíne

Home Economics (IFHE), which was held in Copenhagen

retired in 2006).

Denmark August 21—22, 1939. In 1958 Maura Bonfil, who served from 1944 to 1981, was instrumental in encouraging

Máire Ní Mhaolthuille (1957-1987) and Siobhán Piogóid

Irish teachers of Home Economics to become involved

(1951-1989) were initially employed as School Organisers

with the IFHE after she attended the 1958 Congress

(Cigire Timerach) looking after either music or sewing and

in Maryland, USA. Subsequently, sixty Irish teachers

handcrafts. Listen to Patrick O’Donovan on School Organ-

attended the 1963 Congress, giving them international

isers (CLIP A), with the introduction of the new Primary

links and cultural exchanges.

Curriculum in 1971, they were re-designated as primary inspectors.

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1933 1934

1933 1934

T H E E V O L V I

1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948

1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948

N

1935

1930 1932

Ard Chigre Timerach 1932

Primary 1931

Cigire Timerach

1931

Class II Inspector

1930

Una Ní Cheallaigh

1929

Síle Nic Gahhann

1929

Siobhán de Paor (Jo Power)

1928

Nora Ní Shuilleabháin

1928

Nora Ní Mhaloid

1927

Nora Ní Maliod

1927

Nora Bastabal

1926

Mairín Ní Sheasnáin

1926

Máire F Ní Aodháin (Mary Mac Geehan)

1925

Helen M Ní Ríordáin

1925

Eibhlín Ní Ruadhagáin

1924

Eibhlín M Ní Eireamhain

1924

Bríd Ní Mhurchadha

1923

Annie Walsh

1923

Aingeal Una Ní Chuidithe

H S T O R Y W O M E ’

G I O F N

1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

1963

1963

1970

1962

1962

1970

1961

1961

I

1969

1960

1960 C A T

U

1969

1959

1959 D

1968

1958

1958 E

1968

1957

1957 N

1967

1956

1956 I

1967

1955

1955 N

O

1966

1954

1954 I

1966

1953

1953 P A T

I

1965

1952

1952 C

I

1965

1951

1951

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1964

1950

1950

P A

1964

1949

1949

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Significant Inspectors: Eileen Irvine

Interestingly, there were some inspectors in the early

Listen to Patrick O’Donovan describe the achievements of

years known as ‘kindergarten inspectors’. Grace Austin,

Eileen Irvine ‘one of the heroines of the system.’:

mentioned above, was an early example of a ‘kindergarten organiser.’ One of the most notable was Eileen Irvine, from Belfast, appointed in 1939: Eileen Irvine was tragically killed in a car accident on When one recalls the educational policy of the early

Christmas Day 1971. Her Irish Times obituary acknowl-

decades of independence, it is unwise to try to credit ed-

edged her contribution to the recently published Primary

ucational developments to any one particular influence.

Curriculum:

Yet, it was extensively acknowledged among contemporary inspectors, training college personnel and members

… much of what was embodied in its philosophical as

of the teaching profession that the pioneering work of

well as in its practical content had been foreshadowed

Eileen Irvine, Chief Organising Inspector from 1944 to

by her work and that of her colleagues, under her direc-

1971, contributed enormously to the evolution of the

tion, in the schools. She was responsible for changing

modern-day concept of the young child in this country.

the approach to teaching of young children and giving it a vitality and interest which made it unique.

Ideas like active learning, child-centred education, integrated learning, and mixed-ability teaching were some of the concepts first introduced by Eileen Irvine in infant education. Through demonstration of these methods for teachers by organisers, they were first introduced to

Eileen Irvine picture in The Irish Times, 1st April 1955 Courtesy of The Irish Times

infants and were gradually introduced to primary, and then post-primary schools. Her work with teachers of infants had a significant influence in shaping the new primary curriculum introduced in 1971.

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Significant Inspectors: Eileen Irvine

The Irish Times. Thursday, December 30, 1971 Courtesy of The Irish Times

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Times of Change:

While societal norms which had dominated conservative

1960s and 1970s

change, particularly in post-primary schools. In 1962 the

Ireland throughout the period from the foundation of the State were not yet changing, they were starting to be challenged. Irish education was going through enormous secondary Inspectorate had seven recruits which brought the total number of secondary inspectors to twenty, including one woman. While the Inspectorate enjoyed high social status, newly recruited inspectors were inducted into ‘a sub-culture of not rocking the boat by raising awkward questions of policy or practice.’

1960 Irish lesson Dublin Courtesy of Enda O’Flaherty

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Times of Change:

After the introduction of a common Intermediate curricu-

1960s and 1970s

• Secondary Schools Inspectors were linked to the volun- With the removal of the marriage bar and a change in the

lum in 1965, Donogh O’Malley announced the provision of

tary schools sector. Much of their work throughout the

recruitment process in the mid-1970s to open competition,

free post-primary education in 1966, to begin in 1967, and

period concerned State examinations. Inspectors were

it became possible for women to apply for and be ap-

the number attending schools began to increase. From

fully responsible for every aspect of examinations from

pointed as inspectors. The number of women employed

then, curriculum, examinations and school re-organisation

developing papers, overseeing the hiring of examiners,

remained low and it took until the turn of the century for

became very prominent issues for the secondary school

running marking conferences and overseeing the

the number of female inspectors to rise significantly.

Inspectorate.

corrections.

Also, during this period, psychologists were appointed to

• Vocational Schools Inspectors were primarily charged with the inspection of practical subjects such as Home

the Inspectorate, linked to providing guidance counselling

Economics and technologies. With the expansion of

for the new comprehensive schools. There was a lack of

the provision of vocational and technical education

a clear job definition for psychologists and to fit within the

from the mid-sixties, the vocational inspectors viewed

career patterns which were related to the pay grade they

themselves as proactive agents in supporting such

were given the term ‘Inspectors of Guidance Services’.

developments and tended to see themselves in the

Ireland joined the EEC in 1973, the same year the marriage

vanguard of educational and social change. 

bar was abolished after a recommendation from the Commission on the Status of Women, but it still took some

Primary inspectors were based in Marlborough Street

time for the number of women in the civil service to rise.

along with the Chief Inspector. The Secondary and Vocational Inspectors were based in Hawkins House Floor

Until the late 1990s, the Inspectorate continued to exist as

3 and Floor 11 respectively, alongside two deputy Chief

three separate divisions.

Inspectors. Up until the 1990s, Floor 3 and Floor 11 had very little contact with each other. Though organised as a

• The Primary Inspectorate continued to be organised on

separate division, it was common for vocational Inspectors

a district basis. Their work was very much in schools,

to accompany secondary colleagues on evaluations to

undertaking school evaluations (tuairscí scoile) and

assist in the evaluation of practical subjects in the volun-

evaluating the work of probationary teachers.

tary secondary sector.

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1971 junior infants class Creggs National School, Co Galway Courtesy of Enda O’Flaherty

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Times of Change:

The recruitment process from 1962 to 1978 involved

1960s and 1970s

dates regardless of subject specialism.

1970 1975 1976

a short-listing of applicants, a one-hour interview, a two-hour assessment in Irish and an oral Irish examination.

The language requirements were the same for all candi-

The following table shows the women appointed between 1970 and 1977. After 1978 using open competition, two further women were appointed.

Fionnghuala Uí Chathasaigh Secondary School

Christine Ní Nualláín Primary School

Máire Ní Luain Secondary School

Sheelagh McDonagh Hickey Secondary School

1977 1978 1980 T

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Mary Burns Secondary School

Helen McIntyre Vocational School

Deirdre Lyddy Primary School

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Hawkins House Images.

Niall Montgomery Slide Collection, Courtesy of Irish Architectural Archive.

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Towards a Culture of Innovation

One of the most influential reports on the need for future

1980s -2000s

were ‘the preparation of annual reports by the primary

planning of the Primary Inspectorate was published in April 1981, the Report of the Committee on Primary Schools

1981

A M Ní Dhúill Primary School

Clár Uí Bhreasláin

Inspection: The Collins Report. The committee studied many of the deeper issues that affected the Inspectorate

Primary School

and provided forty-six recommendations. Amongst these

Emer Egan

Inspectorate, criteria for the evaluation of teachers’ work

Primary School

and a more structured time pattern for school reports.’

Hilda Bn Mhic Aoidh

Owing to a shortage in personnel in the Inspectorate they

Primary School

were only able to report on 4% of schools in 1979-80, however, by the time the Collins report was published there had been a significant period of recruitment. With a full complement of primary inspectors by 1982 they could begin to implement the recommended changes in the early 1980s.

1982

Maura Clancy

1984

Mary Varilly

Secondary School – French

Emer Egan reflects on the integration of the different branches of the inspectorate and changes to recruitment in the 1990s

Maura Clancy reflects on the work of post-primary inspectors in the 1980s Department of Education, Marlborough Street, Dublin Courtesy of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.

Secondary School – German

Towards a Culture of Innovation

The economic recession of the 1980s then led to a recruitment freeze in the public service. As the decade progressed, the number of Primary Inspectors began to decline, impacting the intervals between inspections.

Promotion to senior positions was by announcement rather than open competition, there were no interviews for

1980s -2000s

these positions throughout the 1980s.

For secondary inspectors, time was still predominately spent on examinations and as representatives on several school boards. However, regardless of the issues, as documented, within the Inspectorate at the time, the financial difficulties faced at a national level meant there were no significant improvements in the mid-eighties.

Nevertheless, despite the difficulties of the 1980s, the seeds of change were being laid.

Launch of the proposed organisation of Education Centres within Regional Education Boards, originally proposed in Charting Our Education Future (1995).

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Towards a Culture of Innovation

In 1988 the EEC commissioned a report from Dr Clive

1980s -2000s

report for Ireland. This report provided a very factual

Hopes of the German Institute for International Research on ‘The Contribution of Inspectors and Advisers to the Quality of Schooling in the European Communities. Seán Mac Gleannáin, Assistant Chief Inspector and Seán MacIonraic, a Post-Primary Inspector prepared the country account of the Inspectorate it did highlight several key areas that needed to be addressed: under-staffing, little prospect of promotion, and the gender imbalance within the Inspectorate, with only 6 women out of a total of 81 primary inspectors and only 7 out of a total of 54 senior and recruitment-level post-primary inspectors. Despite the broad analysis of the Inspectorate the Hope Report did not have the speedy results its author hoped for.

Maura Clancy reflecting on promotion opportunities in the inspectorate in the 1980s

Doreen Mc Morris reflecting on the challenges faced when joining the inspectorate in the early 1990s

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Towards a Transformation in Education

The Ireland of the 1990s was one of significant economic,

From 1994, promotion was based on merit, though

Former inspectors interviewed expressed the view that

social, and cultural change. This change also extended to

separate competitions continued for recruitment of senior/

gender was not an issue when it came to the distribution

the education sector with significant developments in the

divisional primary, post-primary, and psychological service

of tasks or involvement in any aspect of their work. As

Irish education system. The changes and innovations were

levels. Competitions at the Assistant Chief Inspector level

with other professions, and reflective of society at the

conducted in a highly consultative manner with the organ-

continued on a sectoral basis until around 2000 when the

time, there were tacit barriers encountered. For example,

isation of a National Education Convention in 1993 and a

posts became open to all members of the Inspectorate.

women, in some cases relatively young on appointment

National Forum on Early Childhood Education in 1998. Two

Maura Clancy was the first woman to be promoted to the

to the Inspectorate, coming into a male-dominated

government green papers and three white papers paved

position of Assistant Chief Inspector in 1997.

department of colleagues who were significantly older, there was a sense that they needed to prove themselves.

the way for the Education Act of 1998.

In addition, some inspectors had to deal with being wives and mothers, and the challenges of the job which involve extensive travelling and extended periods away from home or their families at a time when homemaking was still seen as predominantly the role of women, whether they were

One of the most significant developments in the Inspec-

busy school inspectors or not.

torate in the 1990s was the process of bringing the three divisions together.

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A native of Athlone, Emer Egan’s primary education began

Emer Egan

where she worked until May 1994.

in Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone and continued in Mercy Convent, Longford, St Louis College of Domestic Science,

In April 1994, Niamh Bhreathnach, Minister for Education,

Bundoran, the Froebel College of Primary Education, Sion

appointed Emer as Chair of the Expert Advisory Group on

Hill, Dublin and the University of Dublin, Trinity College.

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE). At the same time, the first merit-based promotional competitions to

On graduating from the Froebel College in 1976, Emer

the roles of Divisional or Senior Inspector were organised,

took up a position in Holy Rosary School, Wicklow Town,

and Emer was successful in being appointed to a Senior

where she completed her two-year probationary period.

Inspector role in the newly-established In-Career Devel-

An enquiry from the then District Inspector, Seån Mac-

opment Unit. Senior Inspectors from the Post-Primary

Conmara, as to ‘what next’ influenced Emer’s decision to

Inspectorate and the then Psychological Service were

enrol in Trinity College to undertake the newly-established also appointed to this administrative and professional part-time 4th year B .Ed. (Hons.) course. This necessitated

unit which was funded under the European Union’s

relocation to a Dublin school, All Saints’ National School, a

Human Resources Operational Programme and Regional

two-teacher Church of Ireland school in Blackrock County

Development Fund with a remit to make provision for the

Dublin, where she worked for three years. A visit from the

professional development of teachers and the expansion

District Inspector at the time highlighted that the Public

of the Education Centre network.

Appointments Service had advertised positions in the Inspectorate and this resulted in Emer making an applica-

The 1990s saw major changes in the post-primary senior

tion. She was appointed as a District Inspector, Primary,

cycle structure and the range and content of subjects on

together with 17 others, in 1981.

offer. Innovative in-career development models were initiated, with a strong focus on the involvement of teachers

Portrait of Emer Egan, Directory on the Inspectorate 2001 Courtesy of Emer Egan

During the early 1980s, a significant element of primary

in the professional development of their peers. In parallel,

inspectors’ work was completing probationary reports on

the rollout of Relationships and Sexuality Education

newly qualified teachers. Emer assisted with this work in the professional development programmes for both primary South -East, Dublin and the West before being appointed to the Carlow district and then a number of Dublin districts

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Emer Egan

and post-primary teachers was initiated.

The focus of activities in the late 1990s was on supporting the introduction of the 1999 Primary School Curriculum (PSC) which replaced the 1971 version. In an effort to inform the policy direction of this major change, Emer completed an M. Sc. In Educational Management (1998), focusing on the development of a strategy to support the implementation of the PSC. The establishment of the Primary Curriculum Support Programme and ongoing work with the RSE Support Service, was the major focus of Emer’s work for the ensuing years and coincided with her involvement in the management of Schools IT 2000, the School Development Planning Initiative, as well as the ‘Breaking the Cycle’, a programme for primary schools in disadvantaged areas, FÍS, the AIB-sponsored millennium film project for primary schools. At this time Emer was appointed by the Ministerial for Education, Micheál Martin, to the Council of the President’s Award, Gaisce.

Members of the Council of the President’s Award, Gaisce. Circa 2001 Courtesy of Emer Egan

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Primary Curriculum Support Programme team, 2000.

Courtesy of Emer Egan

In the early 2000s, Emer became involved, as

appointment as a Regional Manager, overseeing the work

A return to the management of a region followed in

Emer’s final position was as the first female Deputy

Ireland’s national co-ordinator, for the OECD activity

of primary and post-primary inspectors in the north-east

2010 and during this time Emer was appointed as

Chief Inspector, a post she took up in December 2015.

Attracting, Developing and Retaining Effective Teachers

and north-west. A period providing policy advice in the

Ireland’s representative on the Board of Governors of the

Her primary roles in this post were the management

(2005), a project which provided significant policy

area of teacher education followed, working with the

European Schools, a post she held for 5 years. She was

of the national programme of inspection at primary

examples for consideration in the context of ongoing

Teacher Education Section of the Department. Preparation

subsequently appointed to lead the development of an

and post-primary levels and, working with the Chief

research and development in initial teacher educa-

for and the establishment of the Teaching Council (2006)

inspection framework for the Early Years sector and the

Inspector, Dr. Harold Hislop, the development of the

tion, induction and continuing professional develop-

was a significant activity at this time. Emer was appointed

recruitment in the modern age of the first group of Early

Inspectorate’s Strategic Plan (2017-19). She retired in

ment in Ireland. Promotion to the role of Assistant

as a Ministerial nominee on the first Council and also

Years Inspectors.

September 2019 after three decades of change in

Chief Inspector in April 2001 resulted in Emer joining the

served on the second Council.

her profession.

Senior Management Team of the Inspectorate and her

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Women in the Inspectorate:

Maura sat the Primary Certificate Examination at age

demands of the French Teachers’ Association and of the

twelve and was subsequently sent as a boarder to Mount

teacher unions for oral and aural examinations in Modern

Sackville convent school, Chapelizod, County Dublin.

Languages were becoming more insistent and the

In 1962 aged sixteen she sat the Leaving Certificate Ex-

Department of Education began to listen to these calls for

amination. Maura entered the novitiate of the sisters of St.

change. These committees were chaired by the Inspector

Joseph of Cluny in Ferbane, County Offaly, in September

of French in the Department at that time. Maura had by

Maura Clancy

of that year. From there she was sent to do a degree at

this time joined a small group of practising teachers of

the University of Glasgow in 1967. She graduated with an

French who were invited to serve on the summer in-ser-

M.A. in 1972, having left religious life in 1969. Following

vice courses for teachers of French. On these courses, she

her Higher Diploma in Education, which she completed

worked alongside the inspectorate.

at Trinity College, Dublin. In 1973, she was appointed as a teacher of French and English to Alexandra College,

In 1982, when a post of Inspector of French was adver-

Milltown, where she remained until 1982.

tised, she applied. She said that she was very happy in teaching, and had made excellent friendships among the

Maura Clancy Courtesy of Maura Clancy

Born on the thirteenth of April, 1946, in Ballinaglera, County Leitrim, Maura Clancy was the only child of Eileen and Peter Clancy, both national school Principals in the parish of Ballinaglera.

school to those in which her parents taught. Her schooling was at Urbal National School, the closest to her homeplace. When she was ten her father died. Two years later

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staff of Alexandra College, but felt that being an inspector

encountered the Inspectorate of the Department of

would give her a greater possibility of influencing syllabus

Education in a number of contexts. She had inspections

development in French. She believed passionately in the

in her teaching of both English and French over her nine

need for students of French to acquire oral and listening

years in the classroom. She was secretary of the Dublin

skills, as well as the skills of reading and writing. When she

branch of the French Teachers’ Association for a number of was offered the post of inspector, she had no hesitation in years. This was a time of change in the teaching of Modern accepting it.

Languages and she found herself representing the French

Maura was sent at the age of four to a different national

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Teachers’ Association on the Intermediate and Leaving

She entered the Department of Education in September,

Certificate Syllabus Committees. The function of these

1982. Her first impressions were of a welcoming and

committees was to decide on the syllabuses in Modern

courteous working environment. She already knew the

Languages. They had been dormant for years, but the

other French Inspector, which was a big help in integrating

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Women in the Inspectorate:

into the inspectorate. At that time, the main task of the

languages. Sure enough, within weeks of her appointment, all in-service courses with enthusiasm. The French

post-primary inspectorate was the management of the

Minister Gemma Hussey began creating the infrastructure

Government doubled the numbers of courses available in

public examinations. The inspectors produced the exam-

for the reforms that she envisaged. Maura remembers.

France. Groups of teachers took the initiative themselves

ination papers in their own subject areas, ran the marking conferences in Athlone, inspected the examination centres

“the welcome cacophony of the aged Gestetner photocop-

and managed the marking of the scripts

iers running off notices to issue to schools! I saw nothing

Maura Clancy

strange in being called to meetings with the Minister and Maura recalls that her hopes for change in the teaching

was amazed to hear from the other French inspector that

of French seemed destined for what she described as

in the seven years he had been in the inspectorate, this was

‘a disappointing outcome.’ A high level of resistance ‘to

a first for him”.

change of any kind’ existed in the Department, ‘especially of changes that cost money, which oral and aural exam-

It was during the period 1984-1986, that aural and then

inations certainly would. The most frequently expressed

oral examinations commenced. Maura remembers being

argument at that time against reform was that the teachers

part of these historic times, and the day the Minister

would not have adequate spoken French to prepare

announced these changes, “I had the privilege of contrib-

students for an oral or an aural test.’

uting to the information used in the speech for the Minister when she announced these changes”.

Undaunted, Maura worked at her office, which was at this

Maura and her colleagues spoke at several meetings of

time located on Floor 3, Hawkins House, on the possible

the French Teachers’ Association. Their task was to allay

format of the revised examinations. She remembers that it

fears of the changes ahead and to offer support. Speaking

was ‘Just before Christmas, 1982, as she was beginning to

of this time Maura said “I kept a set of speaking notes

doubt the wisdom of leaving the classroom’ that Gemma

which I had used fourteen times over the year before the

Hussey was appointed as Minister for Education. By

examinations were due to change.” Maura, along with the

coincidence, she had taught French to Gemma’s daugh-

other French inspector, interviewed hundreds of teachers

ters at Alexandra College, and she knew that the new

for the post of oral examiner. She recalled that the

Minister would be interested in promoting the teaching of

response of the teachers was magnificent; they attended

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Maura Clancy Courtesy of Maura Clancy

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Women in the Inspectorate:

and found courses in inviting places like Nice, where the

Principal Officer, three Senior Inspectors, one from each of

available in the Post-Primary sector. Maura made history

morning would be spent on intensive improvement of

the three divisions, the Psychological Service, the Primary

by being the first woman to be appointed at that level. Her

French, and the afternoon on the beach!

Inspectorate and the Post-Primary Inspectorate, a Higher

appointment coincided with the breaking-down of the

Executive Officer and a team of Executive Officers and

divisions within the inspectorate. She was PCC, as the post

These were also the years in which reform of the syllabus

Clerical Officers. It was an innovative structure in that no

was known at the time, of a region of the inspectorate,

for the Intermediate Certificate Examinations in Modern

distinction was made between inspectorate and adminis-

including psychologists, primary and post-primary inspec-

Maura Clancy

Languages took place. Maura was given the task of

trative grades. For the three inspectors, the major change

tors. She recalls,

chairing the Intermediate French Syllabus Committee.

was that they were reporting to a Principal Officer, rather

With generous support from the expertise of the Centre

than to an Assistant Chief Inspector. By this stage, a great

“My budding leadership skills were put to the test! I will

for Language and Communication Studies, Trinity College,

deal of syllabus development was happening right across

never forget the kindness and cooperation of the pri-

a defined-content, also known at that time as a notion-

the post-primary curriculum. Their first task was to assemble

mary inspectors who found themselves answerable to a

al-functional syllabus was introduced. The basic philos-

regional groups of Post-Primary Principals to inform them

post-primary inspector…….and a woman to boot!”

ophy underlying this type of syllabus allowed students

of the implications of all these changes. Maura remembers

to see exactly what they would be able to do with their

how in a very short time, Principals were becoming angry

When Maura was appointed PCC, one of the tasks

language acquisition, for example, “I can ask someone

at the disruption of teaching caused by all the in-service

assigned to her was the professional development of the

what their name is and tell them my name.” This syllabus

courses they were running. As she recalled: ‘I had experience inspectorate. She designed and led an induction pro-

was taken on board by the German syllabus committee. It

of another model of in-service from my position as chair of

gramme for a large group of newly appointed inspectors

was also adopted some years later by the National Council

the Transition Year In-Service team, where a small group of

who were appointed in 1998.

for Curriculum and Assessment and became the blueprint

teachers was seconded to in-service work for a number of

for syllabuses in other languages.

years, and where most of the in-service took place within the In addition, she was given responsibility for the setting up school. I developed a possible model for all in-service activity of two initiatives in the teaching of languages, the Primary

In 1994, the post of Senior Inspector in the Department of

based on this and, to my surprise, it gained traction within the Modern Languages Pilot Programme, and the post-pri-

Education was for the first time awarded on the basis of

Department and among the various partners in education,

mary initiative for the teaching of lesser-taught languages,

an interview. Maura was successful in being promoted to

teacher unions and principals. This is the model of in-service

including Spanish, Italian and Japanese. Later Russian

Post-Primary Senior Inspector in the newly established

provision that is still being used.’

was added. Maura chaired the steering-committees for

In-Career Development Unit. This unit was staffed by a

In 1997, three posts of Assistant Chief Inspector became

both of these for a number of years as well as those for

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Women in the Inspectorate:

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and the Leaving

satisfaction in improving life in prison for men from many

Certificate Applied. In addition, she chaired the steering

countries. One of the highlights was an annual international

committees for the introduction of syllabuses in a variety

day where the flags of all the students’ countries were

of curricular areas, including Business and Music. When

displayed and food from each country was provided.

Maura became aware of the level of duplication across the

In 2011, Maura was invited to join the staff of Hibernia

programmes, especially work experience which was part

College, which was setting up its Post-Primary teacher

Maura Clancy

of the Transition Year, the Leaving Certificate Vocational

training programme. She contributed significantly to the

Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied she set

development of the programme and wrote all the lectures

up the Second Level Support Service, where a generic

to be delivered online for Modern Languages and some of

work experience in-service model could be developed.

the lectures on Professional Practice. She taught on all of

Her idea was that teachers would be seconded to this group

these programmes online and face to face, until 2016. From

according to system needs. This is the model on which the

then until 2021, she was part of the core team of teaching

current in-service provision is based. Maura also set up the

practice supervisors at Trinity College, Dublin. At present,

Leadership Development for Schools initiative and chaired its

she is involved in interviewing for public servants, including

steering committee until her retirement in 2007.

Garda Síochána for the Public Appointments Service.

Her final years were spent as Assistant Chief Inspector of a region, passing on twenty-five years’ experience in the inspectorate, overseeing younger inspectors develop their skills. Maura retired from the inspectorate on 30th June 2007.

After her retirement, Maura still wanted to do something useful, and was appointed by City of Dublin VEC as a teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Cloverhill Prison from 2007-2011. The Prison School at Cloverhill was not long in existence. With a colleague, she wrote the plan for the teaching of ESOL. She had great

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Maura Clancy Courtesy of Maura Clancy

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Doreen McMorris

Born in 1958, Doreen McMorris (née Cobbe) completed

Careers Guidance course at University College, Dublin.

her primary education in a one-teacher school, Tyrrell-

Having obtained this qualification, she happily returned

spass No 2 National School, Co Westmeath. She then

to teaching mathematics at Alexandra College while also

Biographical note

Co Offaly until she sat the Leaving Certificate examination.

attended the Sacred Heart Secondary School in Tullamore, undertaking some guidance counselling.

From there, she progressed to Trinity College, Dublin. In

In May 1994, as Doreen was coming to the end of her

1979, she graduated with a B.A. (Mod) in Mathematical

course at University College, Dublin, the Department

Sciences and, the following year, with a Higher Diploma

of Education advertised vacant posts for post-primary

in Education. In September 1980, she was appointed by

inspectors in three subject areas, one of which was

Alexandra College, Dublin as a permanent whole-time

mathematics. Out of interest, Doreen decided to submit

teacher of mathematics. In addition to teaching classes

the necessary forms and, over the coming months, she

from first to sixth year, she was immediately assigned the

completed the various steps in the selection process. In

pastoral care duties associated with being a class tutor

December 1994, she was offered a post and, since career

and this was a role she held each year thereafter. When

breaks were not a consideration at the time, acceptance

she was appointed to a special duties post, she took on

of it required that she resign from Alexandra College.

other additional responsibilities including the management In February 1995, Doreen was appointed to the Inspec-

of house examinations in the school.

torate of the Department of Education, the first female to

Doreen McMorris Courtesy of Doreen McMorris

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In the early 1990s, Doreen felt ready for further challenges

hold the post of post-primary inspector of mathematics.

in her work and, since there were very few opportunities

Her duties centred mainly around the state examinations

for second level teachers outside of mainstream

where she acted as chief examiner for a range of exami-

classroom work at that time, she decided to build on her

nations from ordinary level Junior Certificate up to higher

pastoral care experience and to pursue an associated third level Leaving Certificate each year. In addition, she was

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level course. So, during the 1993-4 academic year, she

a member of various mathematics syllabus committees

availed of the study leave arrangements then available

convened by the National Council for Curriculum and

to second level teachers to complete the Diploma in

Assessment, she oversaw the delivery of in-service

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Doreen McMorris

programmes in mathematics for teachers, she acted as

accommodation for inspectors, the management of the

assigned inspector to a range of post-primary schools

Inspectorate’s Secretariat and the provision of advice in

and she participated in various pilot inspection projects

relation to guidance in post-primary schools.

Biographical note

study, she was awarded a M. Ed. (School Leadership) by

in schools. In June 2000, following two years of part-time Doreen retired from the Inspectorate in 2018.

the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. She was promoted to senior inspector in July 2000.

Coinciding with the establishment of the State Examinations Commission in 2003, Doreen was appointed as assistant chief inspector. She was immediately assigned to head up the newly established Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment policy unit within the Inspectorate. Her main function was to manage all Inspectorate involvement in policy advice and development in early childhood, primary and second level curriculum and assessment issues. In 2007, she moved to take up the leadership of a regional business unit within the Inspectorate. There, her main role was to devise an inspection programme for the primary and post-primary schools in the region and to oversee the delivery of that programme from start to finish. Over the next ten years she continued to manage a regional business unit, changing geographical unit a number of times as the

Doreen McMorris Courtesy of Doreen McMorris

Inspectorate’s needs required. During her years as assistant chief inspector, Doreen held a number of additional specific responsibilities including the management of office

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Patrick F O’Donovan Pádraig Ó Donnabháin

Born in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Patrick F O’Donovan / Pádraig

education in places other than recognised schools.

He has published Stanley’s Letter: The National School

Ó Donnabháin attended the local primary and secondary

He served also as chairperson of Cumann na gCigirí

System and Inspectors in Ireland, 1831 – 1922 (2017). He has

schools. Going on to St Patrick’s College of Education

a branch of the IMPACT trade union for a period. As

contributed various articles to academic journals including

in Drumcondra, now part of Dublin City University, he

divisional inspector, his work was mainly in the south

Ireland’s national school system in the time of the Great

qualified as a national school teacher. During teaching

west in various regions of Kerry and Cork. He served for a

Famine: an overview (2021). He is currently researching the

service in national schools in both Dublin and Kerry, he

time in the European Schools prior to retirement from the

development of primary and post-primary education in an

pursued further studies in University City Dublin and in

Department of Education.

independent Ireland.

Trinity College Dublin.

Patrick F O’Donovan has worked for the Teaching Council Appointed as an inspector of schools for the Department

as rapporteur for several review panels examining initial

of Education, he served mainly in Co Kerry as a district

teacher education programmes as well as completing

inspector. His work embraced the broad spectrum of

other research and writing assignments for the Council.

primary school education including the Gaeltacht area of

He has worked in association with Kerry Education and

Corca Dhuibhne. Serving on various committees for the

Training Board in the establishment of community national

Department, involved with summer courses for teachers

schools at Two Mile CNS, Killarney, at Tahilla CNS between

and principals, participating in inspection of Gaeltacht

Kenmare and Sneem, and near Ballinskelligs, Scoil an

summer colleges.

Ghleanna, Scoil Náisiúnta Phobail, the first community national school in a Gaeltacht area. He continues to serve

He maintained an interest in the history of education and

as chairperson of the boards of management of those

pursued doctoral studies by research on the history of the

three schools and is also a member of the Kerry ETB Audit

national school system, its inspectorate and its administra-

and Risk Committee.

tive context in Ireland.

Patrick F O’Donovan has continuing interest as an indeTaking a special interest in the issue of education in

pendent researcher on the history of education in Ireland.

settings outside of recognised schools, he was involved

He collaborated with Professor John Coolahan in the book

in developing the official guidelines for the assessment of

A History of Ireland’s School Inspectorate 1831 – 2008 (2009).

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The restructuring of the Inspectorate following the 1998 Education Act

Education Act 1998. https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/ eli/1998/act/51/enacted/en/ print.html

The Inspectorate and its functions were given statutory status in Section 13 of the Education Act, 1998. The core statutory remit focused the work of the Inspectorate on evaluation, advisory role for schools and the Department and a role in policy development.

We have very deliberately decided to end our research, for now, in 1998. This seems a logical endpoint, a form of watershed between the old Inspectorate and the new. 1998 is a key turning point in the story of women in the Inspectorate, no longer were women seen as exceptions in the Inspectorate, and the beginning of a relatively rapid process of change which has brought us to a point today where women comprise over 50% of the total Inspectorate cohort.

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References

John Coolahan & Patrick F. O’Donovan: A History of Ireland’s

Irish Country Life History Blog: The Department of Agri-

School Inspectorate 1831-2008, Four Courts Press, 2009

culture and Technical Instruction http://countrylifehistory.

Eleventh annual report of the Department of Agricultural

National Library, Educational Year Book, 1914 and 1926

ie/index.php/2014/05/the-department-of-agricul-

Maura O’Connor: The Development of Infant Education in

ture-and-technical-instruction/

Ireland, 1838-1948: Epochs and Eras, Peter Lang Publisher, 2008

Irish Times Archive www.irishtimes.com

Patrick F. O’Donovan: Stanley’s letter: The National School

and Technical Instruction for Ireland, for 1910-11 (Report of Miss Lough) https://archive.org/details/op1255977-1001/

System and Inspectors in Ireland, 1831-1922, Galway

page/n145/mode/2up?q=miss+lough Amanda McCloat & Martin Caraher: ‘The evolution

Education Centre, 2017

Department of Education: Annual Statistical Reports

of Home Economics as a subject in Irish primary and

https://www.education.ie/en/publications/statistics/

post-primary education from the 1800s to the twenty-first

The Marriage Bar: A Ban on Employing Married

statistical-reports/

century’, Irish Educational Studies (2018) https://doi.org/10.

Women: ICTU publication, 2019 https://www.ictu.ie/

1080/03323315.2018.1552605

blog/2019/10/14/the-marriage-bar-a-ban-on-employing-

Expert Advisory Group on the Decade of Commemora-

married-women/

tions: Initial Statement https://www.decadeofcentenaries.

Maguire, M., (2008) The civil service and the revolution in

com/wp-content/uploads/publications/Initial/Initial/index.html

Ireland, 1912-38: ‘Shaking the blood-stained hand of Mr

Irish Times Archive https://www.irishtimes.com/newspa-

Collins. Published by Manchester University Press.

per/archive/1971/1230/Pg006.html#Ar00602

Milieux Institute of Arts, Culture and Technology at

Maeve Mulryan-Moloney: ‘Handcraft in Convent National

Annual Statistical Reports from 1923 to the present are avail-

Concordia University https://textilesandmateriality.

Schools c.1900’, Association of Church Archivists Ireland

able on the Department of Education website https://www.

com/2020/01/15/molly-claire-gillett-at-the-national-uni-

Newsletter No. 42, Apr/May 2010 https://acaireland.files.

education.ie/en/publications/statistics/statistical-reports/

versity-of-ireland-galway/

wordpress.com/2014/11/acainewsletterno42aprmay2010.pdf

ICTU: The Marriage Bar: A Ban on Employing Married

National Archives of Ireland:

Women, 2019 https://www.ictu.ie/blog/2019/10/14/the-

Census of Ireland 1901/1911

marriage-bar-a-ban-on-employing-married-women/

www.census.nationalarchives.ie

Molly-Claire Gillett: textiles + materiality research cluster:

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank a number of people for their help as we

Many thanks to Amanda Mc Clout, President of St. Angela’s

This project has been one of the most interesting and

tried to piece together the story of the History of Women in

College, Sligo for insight into the work of Home Economics

enriching tasks we have been involved with and an honour

the Irish School Inspectorate.

Inspectors and for sharing her own research so generously.

to meet former colleagues who paved the way for so many facets of the education system, and of our work as

Thanks firstly to Patrick O’Donovan. Without Patrick’s

Our gratitude is also due to Molly-Claire Gillett, PhD

in-depth knowledge of the Inspectorate, its history, events

Candidate, Department of Art History, Concordia University

which shaped its evolution over the past two centuries,

Montreal, whose doctoral work focuses on the production

and his knowledge of the personnel involved we would not

of lace in Ireland and its consumption in England during the

have been able to conduct this research and produce this

late 19th century, for sharing her work on Emily Anderson,

article. For his generosity with his time and for sharing his

one of the earliest women to inspect schools.

inspectors, that we now take for granted.

expertise through the interviews, we are very grateful.

We would also like to sincerely thank Suzanne Conneely, We owe a debt of gratitude to the thorough research of

Assistant Chief Inspector, who approached us with the

Mary O’Connor from the Human Resources Unit. Mary went

original idea of celebrating our female colleagues who

back through the records to identify the dates for women

contributed so much to the Inspectorate. This collaboration

employed as an inspector from 1922-1997 and their special- with Mná100 was made possible by the support of the ist areas. Without this information, we would not have been

former Chief Inspector, Harold Hislop, and the ongoing

able to focus our research.

support from the current Chief Inspector Yvonne Keating.

A sincere thanks is due to Maura Clancy, Emer Egan,

It would not have been possible to take this project and

and Doreen McMorris who generously gave their time to

make it accessible to a wider audience without the support

speak with us by phone and to make recordings of their

and guidance we have received from this collaboration

reflections. We would also like to thank Helen McIntyre who with Dr Sinead McCoole, who leads the women’s strand of shared her experiences and memories with us by phone.

the Decades of Centenaries Programme and Kate Nevin,

Their contributions have enriched this article telling the

Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and

story from the viewpoint of those who themselves took

Media. We are indebted to both Sinead and Kate for their

many ground-breaking steps in advancing the work of the

expertise, guidance and genuine support during the last

Inspectorate and the role of women in shaping the Inspec-

year. Their assistance was invaluable in considering both the

torate we have today.

history and the logistics of the project.

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