Rose was born the daughter of an English Banker, into a wealthy background. An intensely intelligent woman, she excelled at education, progressing successful through school, and gaining a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, a Master’s in Philosophy, and a PhD in Economics. At the age of 18, she was presented as a Debutante to the Elizabeth Windsor, during the royal social scene, marking her out as among the elite of the elite.
Despite being born in to an English establishment background, and despite having the world at her feet, Rose found herself increasingly radicalised by the development of revolutionary movements throughout the world, in Ireland and elsewhere. This found expression as a young student, as she protested against the sexual discrimination rife with the Oxford students Union. Later on she left her job as an economist to commit herself full time to working with the poor, and supported many international struggles during this time.
She travelled to Ireland many times to participate in the civil rights movement. As time went on, as she saw more and more of the reality of the northern state, and its utter unwillingness to reform, she concluded that marching would only achieve so much.
Her growing commitment to revolutionary politics prompted her turn her back on the world in which she was reared. She cashed in her shares in Lloyd’s bank, and gave it to the poor. In 1973 she was arrested following the theft of valuable silverware and paintings from the Dugdale family home. She was given a suspended sentence of two years.
Soon after she travelled to Ireland and joined the republican struggle. In 1974, only some miles from here, allegedly she, along with Eddie Gallagher took part in a daring raid on Strabane RUC barracks in a hijacked helicopter.
She was jailed in June 1974 for her part in a raid on Russborough House in Kildare. As was the case in her previous trial she used the courtroom as a political platform and pleaded ‘proudly and incorruptibly guilty’ to the charges which she faced. On her release in 1980, she returned to the republican struggle, no less committed than when she was first imprisoned.
She immediately threw her weight behind the struggle of the hunger strikers for political status and to building Sinn Féin as a revolutionary political movement. This continues to this day, being a valued and committed member of Dublin Sinn Féin.
We in Ógra have a particular high regard for Rose, as someone who has continually supported us in our endeavours, and someone who continually supports the role of young people in our struggle. She regularly attends our events, congresses and talks, and is always ready to offer members advice or a word of encouragement.
In short, Rose remains a personification of revolution. She had the option of a comfortable life, a life at the heart of the Establishment. Yet she followed her instinct and threw her lot in with the revolution, committed her life to the cause of Irish freedom, and to the bettering of life for all the people of Ireland. And this commitment remains undimmed by the passing of time, and her willingness and commitment to the cause would put many younger activists to shame.
On this evening when we honour the female activists who have participated in our struggle, we salute Rose Dugdale, as one of the very finest of that company. A revolutionary to her very core.
1 comment:
Best wishes to all the honorees and congratulations to Ogra for a
a very good initiative.
I have met or worked with all the honorees at different times and I think the pen portraits do them real justice.
Rose Dugdale has been one activist who has always inspired the young republicans that had the pleasure of meeting her or attending educational events hosted by herself.
Rose - a revolutionary to her core.
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