Remembering Mary Ryan: one of the trailblazers of our education system

In 1910, Mary Ryan became Professor of romance languages at University College Cork, becoming the first female Professor in Ireland. Timothy O’Connor remembers a trailblazer in education.

This year, third-level colleges were granted approval for 20 women-only professorships, an initiative aimed at tackling gender inequality in higher education.

The journey towards gender equality within academia has been long and difficult. With that in mind, University College Cork, celebrating its 175th year in 2020, is highlighting Mary Ryan for this year’s International Women’s Day.