11 Facts About Josephine McNeill

Josephine McNeill was the first Irish female diplomat appointed to represent Ireland abroad in a ministerial capacity.

Josephine McNeill was born Josephine Ahearne in Fermoy, County Cork, on 31 March 1895.

Josephine McNeill was the daughter of shopkeeper and hotelier, James Ahearne and his wife Ellen Ahearne.

Josephine McNeill was a member of Cumann na mBan, serving as a member of the executive committee in 1921.

Josephine McNeill had been engaged to Pierce McCann, but he died of influenza in Gloucester jail in March 1919.

Josephine McNeill married James McNeill in 1923, while he was serving as Irish high commissioner in London.

Josephine McNeill represented Ireland at the UNESCO general assembly in Paris in 1949.

Josephine McNeill was an active member of Clann na Poblachta from its foundation in 1946.

Josephine McNeill was appointed the minister to the Netherlands in 1950 by Sean MacBride, making her the first Irish female diplomat to represent the Republic of Ireland abroad in a ministerial capacity.

Josephine McNeill was an amateur pianist and collected paintings and porcelains.

Josephine McNeill died in St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin on 19 November 1969, and is buried in Kilbarrack Cemetery.