author
Mrs. Thomas Concannon
1878–1952
An Irish historian and biographer, she wrote lively, accessible books that brought Ireland’s past to a wide readership. Publishing as Mrs. Thomas Concannon, she was especially drawn to Irish women’s history, saints, and national figures.
2 Audiobooks
A Garden of Girls; Or, Famous Schoolgirls of Former Days
by Mrs. Thomas Concannon
Women of 'Ninety-Eight
by Mrs. Thomas Concannon
About the author
Born Helena Walsh in County Londonderry on October 28, 1878, she became known as Helena Concannon after her marriage to the Irish scholar Thomas Concannon. She studied in Dublin and at university in Belfast, and built a reputation as a writer, historian, and Irish-language scholar.
Writing under the name Mrs. Thomas Concannon, she published books on Irish history and religion, including works on the women of 1798, St. Patrick, Oliver Plunkett, and other figures from Ireland’s past. Her books are remembered for opening up historical and devotional subjects to general readers in a clear, engaging way.
She was also active in public life, serving as a Fianna Fáil senator in Ireland. Concannon died on February 27, 1952, leaving behind a body of work closely tied to Irish history, culture, and faith.