Columns - Irish Examiner

Clodagh Finn

Clodagh Finn is a journalist, writer and collector of stories. Her recent book, The Irish in the Resistance, co-authored with John Morgan, shines a light on the forgotten contributions of the Irish who resisted Hitler during WW2.

Clodagh Finn: Imagine a Church in which Sr Stan had been a bishop

It is time that the work of women who improved so many people’s lives is at least acknowledged in the hierarchy of the Church they served

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

Clodagh Finn: The toe-curling poem that led to the rediscovery of Sarah Curran

Sarah Curran is remembered as the tragic figure whose fiancé Robert Emmet was executed, but she was also an important member of a completely overlooked network of literary women in Cork, writes Clodagh Finn

Sat, 01 Nov, 2025

Clodagh Finn: In the footsteps of Irish secret agent Maureen O’Sullivan

Maureen Patricia O’Sullivan was one of the most effective secret agents in France during World War II

Sun, 26 Oct, 2025

Clodagh Finn: The silver tea set that tells story of Irish marriage bar

Mary Staunton's experience was shared by so many other women who felt shut out of public life during the five decades the marriage bar was in force

Sat, 18 Oct, 2025

Clodagh Finn: An ode to Hyacinth Bucket and the radiant art of growing old

In the real world, older people lead full and enriching lives but that hasn’t quite translated into fiction yet

Sat, 11 Oct, 2025

Clodagh Finn: The politics of handbags, with all its glorious baggage

The handbag of Maria Steen, who didn't manage to get enough nominations to run for the presidency, reminds Clodagh Finn of the controversial term 'handbagging' that had been used to insult other women in politics

Sat, 04 Oct, 2025

Clodagh Finn: The first lady and Stem pioneer who could have been president

Phyllis Ryan qualified as the only woman with a master’s degree in science from UCD in 1917. She was just the fifth female science graduate since the National University of Ireland was founded in 1908

Sat, 27 Sep, 2025

Clodagh Finn: Great Irish wives, the club with so many overlooked members

O’Brien Press has finally published a non-fiction version of he lives of 10 women overshadowed by their famous husbands

Sun, 21 Sep, 2025

Clodagh Finn: Funerals are much more about life than death

Strange as it may sound, there is something very uplifting about coming together to celebrate a life well lived

Sat, 13 Sep, 2025

Clodagh Finn: If only we had hospital builder Madam Steevens in today's world

The indefatigable Grizelda Steevens managed to get Ireland’s first public hospital up and running in 1733

Sat, 06 Sep, 2025