Angela Dunne was one of the first seven Sisters of Mercy to be received at Baggot Street.  She made her first vows in 1833.  Consequently, she holds the status of being a founding member of the Congregation. 

The newly formed Congregation received numerous requests for foundations. In 1836, Angela was chosen by Catherine McAuley to be the first superior of the Sisters of Mercy's third house in Charleville, County Cork.

Margaret Dunne was born in 1788 in the townland of Rahinhole, Co. Laois, to Jeremiah (Darby) and Hanoria Dunne. She possessed a good education and had some independent means. She became acquainted with Catherine McAuley as a result of her desire to assist Dublin's impoverished, and in 1829 she became a member of the community at Baggot Street.

It is evident that Catherine McAuley thought highly of Angela Dunne.

It is important to note that the Convent of Mercy's founding at Charleville was difficult. At the time, social poverty was a major problem for the community. When difficulties threatened to close the foundation, Catherine urged the sisters to persevere, and they did. The Sisters in Charleville took on a variety of social projects, including education, visits to the sick, and a great many other spiritual and corporal works of Mercy.   

Angela was a woman of great compassion and courage. The historical record shows that she had some difficulty establishing the foundation in Charleville and even considered giving up, but at Catherine's insistence, she persevered.

Throughout the years, the foundation grew and prospered, providing excellent support and services to the community and surrounding areas.

Over time, Charleville would develop into a strong foundation. In 1855, Charleville sent two members of its community, Sisters Joseph Croke and Clare Lalor, to the Crimean War.

The Charleville Congregation made three autonomous foundations: one to Bathurst in New South Wales, Australia, in 1866; a second to Buttevant, Co. Cork, in 1879; and a third to New Inn, Co. Tipperary, also in 1879. Mary Angela Dunne is credited with inspiring many works of Mercy in Ireland.

“Charleville, Co Cork” Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, accessed 4 May 2024. https://sistersofmercy.ie/charleville-co-cork/