Powerful Leitrim woman’s story at the heart of new TG4 documentary

The remarkable and compelling story of a woman from Leitrim is being brought to a wider audience in a documentary series set to air on TG4 next month.

‘Ceartas Crua - Mná V An Dlí’ is a bilingual, two-part documentary series that examines the impact a century of the Irish State has had on Irish women, viewed through the unique prism of the law. 

By exploring legal actions taken in Irish courts, along with legislation enacted by the Irish State, the series draws a clear line from the foundation of the State to the present day.

The first episode will feature the impressive and inspiring story of Vera Carey (later McCarthy), from Mullinameela, Fenagh, who successfully defied the marriage ban in order to retain her position as County Librarian of Leitrim.

The marriage bar came into existence in Ireland in 1924 and required married women to leave their jobs in the civil service, semi-state bodies, and many private-sector companies. The effects of this policy were felt by thousands of women across the country for generations, until it was officially lifted in July 1973.

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Also featured in the documentary is Seán Ó Súilleabháin of Ballinamore, a retired librarian. Mr Ó Súilleabháin speaks about Vera in the programme, describing her as an ambitious woman who attended university in Dublin.

Seán Ó Súilleabháin

Following her university education, Vera was employed in Ballinamore Library as a library assistant. Within a year or so, she rose to the position of County Librarian for Leitrim.

When she married, Vera was legally required to give up her job. Unwilling to accept this outcome, she consulted with her brother Paddy and realised that there was nothing in law to prevent her from applying for the position once it was publicly advertised. 

After extensive bureaucratic debate and discussion, Vera was reemployed and rightly recognised as the most suitable candidate for the role. She remained in the position until 1974.

While filming in Ballinamore Library, Seán explored archival material from the period relating to Vera’s case and described her as an exceptional and brave person.

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Vera passed away in her 104th year in Dalkey, Dublin, in 2014.

‘Ceartas Crua - Mná V An Dlí’ begins on Wednesday, March 11, on TG4 and on TG4 Player.