Sculpture unveiled in tribute to Mary “May” McGee

A new sculpture has been unveiled in the centre of Skerries, recognising the lasting legacy of Mary “May” McGee.

The piece, a mosaic by Wexford artist Helen McLean, was commissioned by Skerries Tidy Towns, with the financial support of Skerries Community Association, the Dept of Rural, Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Skerries Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. McGee took a landmark case against the Irish Government in the early 1970s, that led to the decriminalisation of contraception in Ireland.

Then 27, May McGee was a mother of four children, including twins.

At the time of her court case, she and her husband, Seamus, a fisherman in Skerries who passed away in 2024, were living in Loughshinny.

Following medical difficulties in all three pregnancies, May was warned by her medical adviser that her life would be in danger if she were to become pregnant again.

Having been prescribed a diaphragm and a contraceptive spermicide jelly by local doctor Dr Jim Loughran, these were seized by customs authorities.

At that time, under Section 17 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1935, it was illegal to import contraceptives from another jurisdiction and the McGees were warned they could face prosecution

Following an appeal to the Supreme Court, in December 1973 the highest court ruled that the 1935 law banning importation and sale of contraceptives was unconstitutional.

Deputy Mayor Grainne Maguire unveiling the mosaic.

The sculpture was unveiled at a ceremony in Floraville Park in the centre of Skerries, attended by May, her family and friends, local politicians and many local people.

It was unveiled by the Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gráinne Maguire, who spoke of the “formidable” May and “the great thing she had done for us and for future generations”.

Some of the family of the late Dr Jim Loughran were present, as were Senior Counsel Anthony Kennedy and Solicitor Dudley Potter, who were part of May’s legal team.

They said that at the time they did not realize the huge significance and change that this legal case would bring about for women in Ireland.

May with Skerries TT Chair Maeve McGann

As the weather turned inclement, proceedings adjourned to the Skerries Harps clubhouse, where speeches could be made in comfort and a welcome cup of tea and cakes were at hand.

Martin McGee, on behalf of his mother May, thanked the organizers and remembered his father Seamus who was a constant support to May, and said how proud the family were of May.

Maeve McGann, chairperson of the Skerries Tidy Towns committee said “May’s legacy is a more caring Ireland, particularly for women.”