MARGARET MARY PEARSE

24th August, 1878 – 7th November, 1968.

School teacher, Irish Politician and Irish Language Activist.

1878:

Margaret was born at 27 Great Brunswick Street (now Pearse Street) to James Pearse and Margaret Brady. 

1884:

The Pearse family moves to Sandymount, and Margaret transfers to the Holy Faith School, Clarendon Street. She later studies Domestic Economy at Rathmines Technical Institute, receiving a Certificate of Competency from the Leinster College of Irish.   

1905:

She travelled with her brother, Padraig to Belgium to learn bilingual education. 

1908:

Upon returning to Dublin, she set up a school in Leeson Street before moving to Cullenswood House, Ranelagh and then to The Hermitage in Rathfarnham in 1908 where the Pearce family continued to run St Enda’s School. Following the execution of her brothers.

1916:

Following the Easter Rising, Margaret’s brothers, Padraig and Willie were executed in Kilmainham Jail.

1933:

Margaret was appointed to Seanad Éireann by An Taoiseach and served until her death in 1968.

1935:

St Enda’s School closes due to financial difficulties. The school had been run by her mother and sister, Mary Brigid with Headmaster, Fergus De Burca. Her mother bequeathed St Enda’s to the State in memory of her two sons. It is now The Pearse Museum. 

1939:

Ardscoil Éanna opened at St Agnes’ Park, Crumlin

1941:

The school moved to Franshaw House, Crumlin Road. Headmaster, James J. O’Byrne and his wife Ester (nee Bates) ran the school with the Pearse family.

1968:

Margaret died on 7th November, 1968 at Linden Nursing Home, Blackrock, Co Dublin. She was given a State funeral and later buried alongside her parents and sister at Glasnevin Cemetery  (Plot No.OH16, St Brigid’s). 

References:

1. Drimnagh Parish
2. Oireachtas.ie
3. Glasnevin Cemetery Trust