Tributes have been paid following the death of Dublin woman Mary ‘May’ McGee, who won a landmark ruling in the Supreme Court which led to the legalisation of contraception in Ireland. In 1972, May and her husband Séamus McGee approached a solicitor to raise concerns about a banned contraceptive. Then 27, May was a mother of four children, including twins, who had been informed that future pregnancies would endanger her health. The Skerries-native had suffered severe medical complications during her first three pregnancies, and her doctor unequivocally warned that another pregnancy could prove to be fatal She was advised by her doctor that contraception would be the right course of action, but due to Irish laws she had to import this product. As a result, May and Séamus attempted to import a spermicidal jelly from the UK to prevent future pregnancies, but the package was seized by customs and the couple were threatened with prosecution. The McGees then decided to take legal action and lodged a case in the High Court arguing that the 1935 law banning importation and sale of contraceptives was unconstitutional. The High Court initially ruled against them, but a year later, in 1973, the couple won their case on appeal at the Supreme Court and contraception was subsequently legalised in Ireland six years later. The case transformed the Irish political landscape and paved the way for vastly improved reproductive choice for women. Last month, a mosaic dedicated to May was unveiled in Floraville park by Skerries Tidy Towns to recognise her lasting legacy. May's family confirmed that she passed away peacefully at Beaumont Hospital on Tuesday at the age of 81, with tributes pouring in for 'a formidable woman who changed Irish history'. One mourner said: "Martin, Andrea and all the family, our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your wonderful mum. Always enjoyed May's company when we were lucky to be in her presence. May had a heart of gold and always a wonderful smile. May you ll be greatly missed not just by your family but by all who knew and loved you xx." Another person added: "A formidable woman who changed Irish history. A kind and gentle soul, truly a selfless person. She will never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam." While a third person said: "Aisling and Ronan, I'm so sorry to hear about the death of May. Your granny was an extremely kind woman, and was enjoyable & interesting to talk to during the times I've met her. I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace, May." May will lie in repose at Lannon's Funeral Home from 6pm to 8pm on Friday ahead of removal Saturday to Dardistown Crematorium for a celebration of her life at 10am. May's family have requested that bright colours be worn to the service. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Tributes pour in for 'formidable' Dublin woman who helped end Ireland's contraception ban
Tributes have been paid following the death of Dublin woman Mary ‘May’ McGee, who won a landmark ruling in the Supreme Court which led to the legalisation of contraception in Ireland. In 1972, May and her husband Séamus McGee approached a solicitor to raise concerns about a banned contraceptive. Then 27, May was a mother of four children, including twins, who had been informed that future pregnancies would endanger her health. The Skerries-native had suffered severe medical complications during her first three pregnancies, and her doctor unequivocally warned that another pregnancy could prove to be fatal She was advised by her doctor that contraception would be the right course of action, but due to Irish laws she had to import this product. As a result, May and Séamus attempted to import a spermicidal jelly from the UK to prevent future pregnancies, but the package was seized by customs and the couple were threatened with prosecution. The McGees then decided to take legal action and lodged a case in the High Court arguing that the 1935 law banning importation and sale of contraceptives was unconstitutional. The High Court initially ruled against them, but a year later, in 1973, the couple won their case on appeal at the Supreme Court and contraception was subsequently legalised in Ireland six years later. The case transformed the Irish political landscape and paved the way for vastly improved reproductive choice for women. Last month, a mosaic dedicated to May was unveiled in Floraville park by Skerries Tidy Towns to recognise her lasting legacy. May's family confirmed that she passed away peacefully at Beaumont Hospital on Tuesday at the age of 81, with tributes pouring in for 'a formidable woman who changed Irish history'. One mourner said: "Martin, Andrea and all the family, our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your wonderful mum. Always enjoyed May's company when we were lucky to be in her presence. May had a heart of gold and always a wonderful smile. May you ll be greatly missed not just by your family but by all who knew and loved you xx." Another person added: "A formidable woman who changed Irish history. A kind and gentle soul, truly a selfless person. She will never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam." While a third person said: "Aisling and Ronan, I'm so sorry to hear about the death of May. Your granny was an extremely kind woman, and was enjoyable & interesting to talk to during the times I've met her. I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace, May." May will lie in repose at Lannon's Funeral Home from 6pm to 8pm on Friday ahead of removal Saturday to Dardistown Crematorium for a celebration of her life at 10am. May's family have requested that bright colours be worn to the service. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
