Following the successful work carried out by the Daughters of Dún Iascaigh over the last three years to mark the contribution women have made to Cahir over the centuries, Tipperary County Council has announced plans to erect a permanent memorial to honour one of the women, Marian Tobin.
A bust of Marian Tobin will be unveiled once the new, planned library for Cahir opens, serving as a permanent reminder of her loyal service to Ireland and Tipperary. Marian Tobin (née Carew) played a pivotal role in the War of Independence, sheltering wanted men on the run, including Dan Breen and Ernie O’Malley. Her home at Tincurry, Cahir was later destroyed by the Black and Tans. Marian served as Tipperary’s first female councillor, following her election in 1920, just two years after women in Ireland were granted the right to vote.
Making the announcement during National Heritage Week, which takes place between Saturday, 14th – Sunday, 22nd August, the Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Councillor Marie Murphy said, “During this important week, I am delighted to announce plans to honour Marian Tobin, one of the women commemorated by the Daughters of Dún Iascaigh. Marian’s achievement in obtaining office so soon after emancipation is truly remarkable and she richly deserves to be recognised. I hope that her example will inspire young girls from Cahir and the surrounding areas to enter public office as Ireland still has the tenth lowest representation of women in parliament in Europe”.
Speaking on behalf of the Daughters of Dún Iascaigh, Jo O’Neill, said, “We are thrilled to hear this good news. A big thank you to the Cathaoirleach and Tipperary County Council for honouring the inspirational Marian Tobin and for funding our project. We hope over time to erect memorials to honour some of our other amazing women. The annual Heritage Week programme is a great opportunity to learn more about our local heritage and make connections with new people and stories”.
