Tribute to first female to be commissioned in Defence Forces who worked in Kildare

The first woman to be commissioned in the Defence Forces is being honoured with a portrait. 

Born in Co Roscommon in 1896, Lt Brigid Lyons Thornton was an expert in public health and worked in the public health service in Co  Kildare and helped to treat many infectious diseases including TB.

After a long career, she died in November 1987 at the age of 91.

Last week, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Adrian Ó Murchú presided over the launch of the Lt Brigid Lyons Thornton Art Commission where Blaise Smith was announced as the artist who will paint her portrait.

The keynote address at the event was by delivered Dr Marie Coleman.

Thornton was a member of Cumann na mBan and played a prominent role in the 1916 rising and War of Independence.

After qualifying in medicine, she was posted to the Army Medical Corps between 1922 and 1924.