Conway-Walsh calls for National Children's Hospital to honour Mayo heroine

Killala native hailed as a ‘pioneer, feminist and inspiration’ by Sinn Féin TD

Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has called for the new National Children’s Hospital to be named in honour of renowned Mayo-born doctor and revolutionary, Dr. Kathleen Lynn.

Speaking in the Dail Eireann this week, Deputy Conway-Walsh endorsed the proposal to name the hospital “Ospidéal Náisiúnta Kathleen Lynn do Leanaí,” citing Dr. Lynn’s legacy as a republican, feminist, medical pioneer and proud daughter of Killala.

“Dr. Kathleen Lynn was a republican, a pioneer, a feminist and, above all, a Mayo woman,” Conway-Walsh said. “She is a huge personal inspiration to me and many others.

Her life and work should be recognised in a way that reflects her extraordinary contribution to Irish society.”

Dr. Lynn, a member of the executive committee of the Irish Women’s Suffrage and Local Government Association as early as 1903, played a prominent role in key moments of Irish history.

She operated soup kitchens during the 1913 Lockout, trained members of Cumann na mBan in first aid, and served as chief medical officer of the Irish Citizen Army during the 1916 Rising.

Significantly, she was the only woman to hold the rank of commandant during the Rising.

Despite being imprisoned and deported for her role, Lynn remained steadfast. In 1919, alongside a group of female medics, she co-founded a hospital for children, a visionary move that laid the foundation for paediatric care in Ireland.

“Dr. Lynn’s resilience, compassion, and commitment to social justice are a powerful example to all of us,” Conway-Walsh said.

“Naming the new children’s hospital in her memory would be a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy.”