Clodagh Finn: Vivid imagination and keen intellect of Tralee-born journalist Alice Curtayne

On her way to school, Clodagh Finn used to pass by the former home of Alice Curtayne. Now, Clodagh wishes she had been aware back then of the journalist and international speaker

Alice Curtayne. ‘Her books are the brilliant output of a vivid imagination, a keen intellect, and the mighty power to portray the human experience in all its mystery, and human history in all its complexity.’ Pictures: Irish Capuchin Archives

I wish I had known of Tralee-born journalist, writer and international speaker Alice Curtayne (1898-1981) when I was going to school. I passed by her former house every single day, but I never knew of her existence, let alone that she once lived a stone’s throw from the career guidance room where I was told it was very difficult for a woman to make it in journalism.

It was 1984 and the career guidance teacher at Presentation Convent Tralee was not wrong. But how did the memory of its illustrious former pupil, who lived so close to the school at nearby Upper Castle Street, fade so quickly?