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Writer & Activist Mary Boyle O'Reilly: Irish Women of Massachusetts





Mary Boyle O’Reilly
(1873-1939)


Born in Charlestown, Mary was a social activist and writer whose passion was protecting children and women. She established the Guild of St. Elizabeth, a children’s home in Boston’s South End, and was active in the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union.  She was a fearless journalist who once disguised herself as a mill worker to expose child labor abuses. She became a foreign correspondent and during WWI, entered Belgium disguised as a peasant to get to the front lines.  She lectured extensively on Ireland and on her beloved father, John Boyle O’Reilly.

Mary Boyle O'Reilly is part of BITA's 2019 Irish Women of Massachusetts series in celebration of Irish Heritage Month and Women's History Month.

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