Clodagh Finn: A lesson in how to tell the story of our own ingenuity

Dr Sheila Tinney, bottom left, has been back in the news lately because of her connection to J Robert Oppenheimer, the subject of this summer’s blockbuster hit, Oppenheimer.

"Spot the ingenious woman” reads the clever caption over a photograph of Dr Sheila Tinney, who is looking decidedly uncomfortable perched, as she is, at the edge of a large group of male mathematicians.

The photo, taken at the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies in 1942, vividly captures the essence of Ireland at the time. Taoiseach Éamon de Valera, supreme guardian of the male status quo, is sitting in the centre of this distinguished group of men — and one brilliant woman.