Blue Plaque unveiled in Co Antrim for Dame Louise McIlroy, UK’s first female Professor of Medicine

Image: Anne Kelly

On Friday, 28th March, the Ulster History Circle unveiled a blue plaque at Ballycastle Presbyterian Church to commemorate Dame Louise McIlroy (1874–1968), a pioneering physician and the United Kingdom’s first female professor of medicine.

The ceremony, held in the presence of local dignitaries and community members, celebrated the remarkable achievements of a woman whose contributions to medicine, particularly in obstetrics, gynaecology, and child welfare, broke new ground in a male-dominated field.

The plaque was unveiled by the Very Rev. Dr. Godfrey Brown, former minister of Ballycastle Presbyterian Church and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, at a special service held at the North Antrim church.

The event, coinciding with the month of International Women’s Day, served as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary legacy of a woman whose name has been largely overlooked in the annals of history.

A Trailblazer from Co. Antrim

Annie Louise McIlroy, known as Louise, was born in 1874 at Lavin House, Knockahollet, the eldest daughter of Dr James McIlroy and his wife, Annie Hamilton, who hailed from an Ulster-Scots family.

The eldest of six children—four daughters and two sons—Louise grew up in a family steeped in medical tradition. Her father, Dr James McIlroy, served as the medical officer for the Castlequarter dispensary in Ballymoney, covering the constabulary and Rathlin Island Lighthouse.

In 1889, he relocated to Ballycastle as medical officer for the district, including the Workhouse and Fever Hospital, and served as a Justice of the Peace for Co. Antrim until his death in 1912.

Louise’s passion for medicine was evident from an early age. Educated in Ballymena and Ballycastle, she followed in her father’s footsteps, enrolling at Glasgow University to study medicine in 1894. Her academic brilliance shone through as she became one of the first female graduates, earning class prizes in medicine and pathology. She obtained her MB, ChB in 1898 and an MD with commendation in 1900, marking the start of an illustrious career.

A Distinguished Medical Career

Louise McIlroy’s early career saw her take on significant roles in Glasgow, including medical resident at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, assistant surgeon at the female Lock Hospital, and gynaecological surgeon at the Victoria Infirmary. Her expertise in obstetrics and gynaecology would later define her legacy.

At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Louise joined the Scottish Women’s Hospital for Foreign Service, demonstrating remarkable courage and skill. She served in France, Serbia, and Slovakia, where the hospital gained renown for its surgical brilliance and administrative efficiency. Her work extended to the Royal Army Medical Corps’ 82nd General Hospital in Constantinople. In recognition of her wartime service, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre in 1916 and received an OBE in 1920.

In 1921, Louise achieved a historic milestone when she was appointed the UK’s first female professor of medicine, a testament to her pioneering spirit. Her contributions to midwifery were recognised in 1929 when she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). Even after retiring in 1934, her dedication to public service persisted.

At the onset of the Second World War, she returned to work, organising maternity services in Buckinghamshire. Throughout her retirement, she continued to contribute to medical literature, authoring numerous papers and book chapters.

Image: Anne Kelly

A Final Resting Place in Ballycastle

Dame Louise McIlroy spent her final years living with her sister, Dr Jane McIlroy, in Turnberry, Scotland.

Upon her death in 1968, she expressed her wish to be laid to rest with her family in the grounds of Ballycastle Presbyterian Church, where her father, mother, and two brothers were buried. On 24th May 1968, her ashes were interred in the family grave, located beside the church’s front door and near the Church Hall, where she had received her final education before university.

During the unveiling ceremony, the Very Rev. Dr. Godfrey Brown reflected on her legacy, stating:

“Dame Louise McIlroy’s career was unique at a time when women were not afforded the opportunity to exercise such singular influence in the profession. Her achievements stand as an inspiration, and it is fitting that we honour her memory here, where her journey began.”

A Lasting Tribute

Chris Spurr, Chairman of the Ulster History Circle, expressed pride in commemorating such an influential figure.

“Dame Louise McIlroy was a pioneering doctor from Co. Antrim who devoted her career to advancing the areas of obstetrics, gynaecology, and child welfare,” he said.

“In the month of International Women’s Day, the Ulster History Circle is delighted to honour the United Kingdom’s first female professor of medicine with a blue plaque. We are grateful to the Ulster-Scots Agency for their financial support and to Ballycastle Presbyterian Church for their kind assistance.”

The unveiling of the blue plaque ensures that Dame Louise McIlroy’s contributions to medicine and her trailblazing role as a woman in a male-dominated field are remembered for generations to come. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in reshaping history, particularly in the face of adversity.