Sister Genevieve O'Farrell

Mary O'Farrell was born on 22 March 1923 in Tullamore in County Offaly, Ireland to William and Catherine (née McNeill).

[2] in 1941, at eighteen years old, she joined the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, believing their mission to live in the world and serve the poor aligned most with her abilities and desire to make a difference.

[8] It was located near the Falls Road in Belfast and mostly served students from poor backgrounds who could not attend St. Dominic's Grammar School due to their 11-plus results.

She eventually held mock interviews for students so they would be more likely to find employment after leaving school, as unemployment in the area was at times as high as 80%.

[12] She encouraged the teaching of Irish despite its political implications, arguing that it was the national language and would keep the girls connected to their heritage.

St. Louise's was close to Milltown Cemetery, where the IRA buried their dead, and to British Army bases at Andersonstown Police Station and Macrory Park.

[16][11] Girls who attended the school came from Republican stronghold areas and some had family members who were directly involved in paramilitary activity.

When Catholic homes were burned on 14 August 1969, Sister Genevieve ferried families away in her car and opened the school as a temporary center for refugees.

[7][13] Many girls felt that the school was the only stable and safe place they had during the Troubles, and most appreciated Sister Genevieve's efforts to create a sense of normalcy.

[14] She trained girls in school to avoid being recruited by paramilitary groups, and visited her students that were imprisoned for their involvement.

She visited both Catholic and Protestant prisoners, including Robert Bates who had led the notorious Shankill Butchers.