In pictures: Heritage Blue Plaque unveiled to mark enduring impact of Waterford Suffragist

The placement of a Waterford Civic Trust Heritage Blue Plaque on the façade of the family home of Dr Mary Strangman serves as a significant recognition of her pioneering medical work and the importance of her legacy, those at the official function heard. 

The plaque stands as a tangible symbol of Dr Strangman’s enduring impact as a doctor, a champion of public health and better housing, a suffragist and the first woman to be elected to Waterford Corporation.  

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The unveiling ceremony was held in conjunction with the annual Alan Howard Memorial lecture on Friday at Carriganore House on SETU’s West Campus.  

Both the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland (NRCI) and the Waterford Civic Trust believe the unveiling is a fitting way to publicly show their appreciation for Dr Strangman and her remarkable achievements.  

Founder and Director of the NRCI, Professor John Nolan said, “The unveiling of a Waterford Civic Trust Heritage Blue Plaque at Carriganore House, Waterford, the former residence of Dr Strangman, marks a profound moment in history, bridging the legacy of a visionary medical pioneer with the contemporary pursuit of human health at the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, today.  

“As Dr Strangman's innovative contributions paved the way for a better understanding and delivery of health, our centre’s relentless commitment to advancing nutritional science echoes her mission. This plaque symbolises the timeless synergy between the past and present, inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge for the well-being of generations to come.” 

Welcoming invited guests to the event, President of SETU, Veronica Campbell said, “Dr Strangman’s story began here in Carriganore House on SETU’s West Campus in 1872, and over 150 years later, she continues to inspire the scientists who work here today. Through the work of Prof John Nolan and the Nutrition Research Centre Ireland, her home continues to nurture ground breaking ideas and research that will further enhance the health and lives of our generation and those who follow. 

“This is the first Waterford Civic Trust Heritage Blue Plaque to be unveiled on an SETU campus and Carriganore House is a very fitting location, connecting Waterford’s past heritage with the future ambition of SETU. Today we can reflect on the work of both innovators, Dr Alan Howard and Dr Mary Strangman, and appreciate the significance of their contribution to the heritage of both Waterford and SETU. The values they brought to their work such as excellence, collaboration, and equality are also the values on which SETU is built.”

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Chairman of Waterford Civic Trust, Dr Eugene Broderick, gave an overview of the life and career of Mary Strangman. Born in 1872 at Carriganore House, Mary was the sixth of seven children of Thomas Handcock Strangman, gentleman, of Carriganore, and Sarah White Strangman. In 1891 she and her sister, Lucia entered the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), the first medical school to admit women on equal terms with men. Mary was awarded the fellowship of the RCSI in 1902, the second Irishwoman to achieve this distinction. A year later she set up practice in Parnell Street in Waterford City. 

Motivated by her social and suffragist activism, Mary stood for election to Waterford Corporation and became the City’s first female councillor on 15 January 1912. Mary declared that she would not accept Home Rule if it did not enfranchise women, earning her the wrath of fellow councillors. Despite indifference and opposition, she continued to advocate for better health services and played a significant role in securing a tuberculosis dispensary in 1916. In 1920, Mary stood down from the Corporation. Three years later, she was appointed physician at the Waterford County and City Infirmary. She died on 30 January 1943. 

“Throughout her life, Mary Strangman was a champion of public health and women’s rights and a pioneering figure in the medical profession. It is my fervent hope that it will serve to remind all those who cross the threshold of this building in pursuit of scientific knowledge that they are continuing in a pioneering tradition that first found expression in the life and career of Mary Strangman. May this knowledge inspire them towards excellence in all their endeavours. We are delighted to unveil a plaque in her honour,” concluded Dr Broderick. 

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Joe Conway, expressed his pleasure at being part of the unveiling ceremony. He highlighted the historical significance of her election to Waterford Corporation in 1912. 

“Her presence on the city council challenged the prejudice and obstacles which had consigned women to an inferior role in the civic and political life of Waterford,” said Mayor Conway. 

Expressing her admiration for Dr Strangman, the first woman to be elected as Mayor of Waterford Corporation, Mary O’Halloran spoke of the importance of honouring her legacy for generations. During her address, she drew parallels between her experiences as a councillor on Waterford Corporation and those of Mary Strangman. For example, in 2006 there were only two female councillors. “It is appropriate”, she concluded, “that the first woman Mayor of Waterford Corporation is unveiling a plaque honouring its first woman councillor.” 

Shirley O’Shea’s, Poetry Plus of Brewery Lane Theatre, rendition of her compelling poem, inspired by Dr Strangman, brought the event to a resounding close.