Mary Kavanagh was born c1893 in Arklow to fisherman Thomas Kavanagh and Jane Murray. A formal civil birth registration has not been found for Mary, a missing record she shared with her brothers William and Thomas. In late 19th-century Ireland, busy maritime families frequently relied on parish baptisms rather than civil registries to record a child's arrival.
At around seven years old, Mary is living with her parents and brothers at House 2, Tinahask Lower. She is recorded as a scholar, attending school in Arklow alongside her brothers.
By 1911, sixteen-year-old Mary had taken her first steps into independence. While she is absent from her parents' home at House 43, Tinahask Street Lower, she is recorded living nearby at 15 Halls Lane, Arklow .
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