Maher was a fierce campaigner for women’s liberation in Ireland.
Tributes have been pouring for Mary Maher, whose death was announced today.
She was 81-years-old.
The journalist worked at The Irish Times for over thirty years, where she became the publication’s first ever female editor.
Additionally, she was the first Irish Times employee to continue work after getting married. She also became the first staff member to get paid maternity leave.
As well as her groundbreaking career in journalism, Maher was one of the founding members of the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement. In her activism, Maher campaigned heavily for access to contraception in Ireland.
Since her passing was announced, many have been sharing tributes to Maher.
Statement from President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Mary Maherhttps://t.co/dlwOsETfi4
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 30, 2021
President Michael D. Higgins released a statement which read: “There will be so many who will have been deeply saddened to learn of the death this morning of Mary Maher. A passionate feminist and trade unionist, Mary was a true trailblazer, role model and inspiration.
“The death of Mary Maher represents the passing of one of the founding elements of the Rights Movement and Women’s Rights in particular. Her importance as an activist in the public area was accompanied by a professional commitment in journalism that broke so many ceilings, all of which advanced the causes that affected women’s lives.”
On Twitter, Fintan O’Toole described Maher as “fearless, funny, passionate and compassionate, a brilliant journalist and a wonderful person”.
Mary was a huge inspiration: fearless, funny, passionate and compassionate, a brilliant journalist and a wonderful person. She might say 'Don't mourn, organise!" but we can do both
Pioneering journalist Mary Maher dies aged 81 https://t.co/1cMxOBPKm3 via @IrishTimes
— Fintan O'Toole (@fotoole) November 30, 2021
He added: “She might say ‘Don’t mourn, organise!’ but we can do both”.
Mary Maher, one of the key founders of the Irish Women's Liberation Movement, died this morning. As Mairin de Burca just said, 'a great feminist light has been extinguished' Rest in Power Sister XXXX pic.twitter.com/Dwh1gZ1xwF
— Rosita Sweetman (@RositaSweetman) November 30, 2021
Rosita Sweetman, a founding member of the Irish Women’s Movement, wrote: “Mary Maher, one of the key founders of the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement, died this morning. As Mairin de Burca just said, ‘a great feminist light has been extinguished’. Rest in Power Sister XXXX”.
