LADY KATE

STORY OF OUR FIRST FEMALE CLLR.

A STUNNING new book has detailed the life and amazing times of the first woman to be elected to Drogheda Corporation, Kathleen Dempsey.

‘Unsung Heroes: The Great Lady Kate’ was unveiled at a special ceremony in the Monasterboice Inn last week. It was written by her son, Raymond and launched by Mayor Pio Smith.

The day was also a celebration of Kathleen through music and song with the likes of Edward Holly and Amie Dyer in attendance.

Kathleen Dempsey was a true trailblazer in local politics and was 74 when she became the first woman to be elected in 1967 in 555 years!

The Sandyford Terrace woman also fought the I960 elections and was defeated by a mere six votes. Particularly well known in the north east section of the town, she annexed 461 first preferences in the St. Laurence Gate Ward and, on the 7th count was declared elected

The same Ward also provided another remarkable feature with the defeat of the outgoing Mayor, colr Peadar Martin. Associated with the public life of Louth for the past 20 years, both as a member of the Co. Council and the Corporation, he stood on a Fine Geel ticket, having moved from Labour. Another family connection to public life in Drogheda was reestablished that year after a lapse of more than 130 years when 29 year old assistant production manager with BD, Donal Fairtclough was elected.

It is also interesting to note that two other women fought that election 50 years ago, both for Sinn Fein, Bernadette Martin and Caitlin Bean Ui Chairbre.

Mrs. Dempsey, a veteran Republican, was secretary of the local Cumann na mBan and president of the Drogheda Housewives Association, and she came prominently into the news a year earlier when she walked out on the 1916 jubilee commemoration committee after a decision had been made to exclude soccer and rugby interests from the proposed celebrations

Mrs. Dempsey’s main aims were to ensure that all houses built by the Council were of a high standard and prior to her election, was one of those who fought successfully to have free fuel given to pensioners at Christmas.

Mayor Pio Smith speaking at the launch of Raymond Dempsey’s book last week. Right; Seán O’Briain speaking at the launch

Edward Holly, Olive and Raymond Dempsey, Amie Dyer and Bobby O’Malley at the launch of Raymond’s book about his mother ‘Lady Kate’.

Michael and Mary Halligan, Raymond Dempsey, Fr. Paul Murphy, Dolores McGovern and Brian O’Brien

Geraldine and Seán O’Briain at the launch