Tras Honan

Tras Honan (née Barlow; born 4 January 1930) is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician from Ennis in County Clare who served as a senator for 15 years. She was elected to the position of Cathaoirleach (Chair of Seanad Éireann) on two occasions, becoming the first and only woman elected to the position.[1]

Tras Honan
Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann
In office 25 April 1987 – 1 November 1989
Preceded by	Patrick J. Reynolds
Succeeded by	Seán Doherty
In office 13 May 1982 – 23 February 1983
Preceded by	Charles McDonald
Succeeded by	Patrick J. Reynolds
Senator
In office October 1977 – December 1992
Constituency	Administrative Panel
Personal details
Born	Tras Barlow (1930-01-04) 4 January 1930 Dublin, Ireland
Nationality	Irish
Political party	Fianna Fáil
Spouse(s)	Dermot Honan
Relatives	T. V. Honan (Father-in-law) Carrie Acheson (Sister)
Education	St. Leo's Convent, Carlow Mercy Convent, Clonmel

She was born in Dublin and educated at St. Leo's Convent, Carlow and at the Mercy Convent, Clonmel. She worked as a housewife and businesswoman before becoming active in politics.

In 1977, she was elected to the 14th Seanad as a Fianna Fáil candidate on the Administrative Panel and served for 15 years[1] until her defeat at the 1993 elections to the 20th Seanad.[2] In 1982, in the short-lived 16th Seanad, she was elected to the position of Cathaoirleach, the first woman to hold the post. In 1983, in the 17th Seanad, she was elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach (Deputy Chair), and in 1987 (in the 18th Seanad, she was re-elected as Cathaoirleach.

Family

Honan is the widow of Dermot Honan, a Senator from 1965 to 1975; his father T. V. Honan was also a Senator from 1934 to 1954. She is also a sister of Carrie Acheson, a former Teachta Dála.

See also

• Families in the Oireachtas

References

1. "Tras Honan". Oireachtas Members Database. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
2. "Tras Honan". ElectionsIreland.org. Retrieved 31 January 2008.

Oireachtas
Preceded by Charles McDonald	Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann 1982–1983	Succeeded by Patrick J. Reynolds
Preceded by Patrick J. Reynolds	Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann 1987–1989	Succeeded by Seán Doherty