Born in rural Ireland in the 1920’s to a pair of schoolteachers, Phyl saw the importance of education early in life. Unusual for the time, her mother was a school principal and continued to work while married. Phyl went on to earn a degree in dietetics and practiced in Belfast. In her mid-twenties she married Mick Guilfoyle who worked as a field officer with the Department of Agriculture. They formed a robust partnership that produced 10 children and an environment where everyone was encouraged to fulfill their potential and to contribute to the well-being of others.

Taking a brief hiatus during childbearing, Phyl returned to work at the earliest opportunity and went on to manage the dietary services at what is now the Cork University Hospital.

All the while she focused on improving the role of women in society.  As an active member of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, she helped uplift women to demonstrate their importance and capacity in community building. As her career flourished, she joined the Soroptomists. A sorority of fellow professionals and like-minded souls, she assisted in raising the voice of women in Ireland and abroad on a number of issues.

She was a journalist specialising as a cookery columnist and a provider of dietary advice. She helped found the Food Writers Guild of Ireland

An avid reader and a good listener, with an inquisitive interest in everyone that she met, she lived a life where she quietly encouraged excellence in all endeavours.

Her ten children and twenty nine grandchildren across the world continue to be grateful for her enduring influence and the pioneering nature of much that she achieved. They are exceptionally grateful of how Phyl placed the importance of education as a central value in their upbringing.