Grace Lynch
Over the last 35 years of conflict in Ireland many women of Óglaigh na hEireann, Cumann na mBan, Cumann na gCailini and Sinn Féin have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Irish Freedom. I believe the price the women of Ireland have paid for freedom was immense.
Many women, such as Marie Drumm, Maireád Farrell and Countess Markivitz have inspired many young women like myself to play an active part in the fight against British rule in Ireland.
The Hunger Strike of 1980 saw the men in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh joined by their female comrades in Armagh’s women Gaol in their successful attempt to break the British governments label of ‘criminals’. Women such as Maireád Farrell, later shot dead in Gibraltar alongside Volunteers Sean Savage and Danny McCann, were to the forefront of the campaign for political status.
These women were ordinary people leading extraordinary lives. The spirit of Tone, Emmet Pearse and Markevitz was with them then as their spirit is with us now. They stood up defiantly to the oppression, tyranny and injustices being seen in Ireland.
The average age of the women of the Republican movement to be killed in the current phase of the struggle was 31; they were grandmothers, mothers, sisters and wives. The part woman played in the struggle advanced and continues to advance the cause of Irish freedom.
As we remember the fallen heroes of Ireland let us remember the role women played in the struggle. Indeed let us remember all patriots of Ireland who fought so that one day Ireland can take her place amongst the nations of the world.
Let us remember the women of Ireland
Dean cuimhne ar na daoine a fuair bas ar son saoirse na hÉireann
1 comment:
Brilliant article from articulate young women. She has hit the nail on the head - the women are often the unsung heroes of revolutionary struggle and whilst I also recognise the contribution of all combatants in a war the women are often the people who are forgotten about in the history books. Well done Grace!
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