Constance Markievicz had some advice for women activists: ‘Leave your jewels in the bank, and buy a revolver.’ Most of the women who became involved in the fight for Ireland’s freedom did not have jewels to swap for guns, but the change in their circumstances and lives would be just as radical.
Setting aside their roles as dutiful daughters, wives, and mothers, they became dispatch carriers, gunrunners, spies. Guns in hand, they fought alongside their male comrades in arms, displaying courage and resolution.
Sinead McCoole has written a portrait of the girls and women whose indomitable spirit overcame hunger strikes, harsh prison conditions, and the tragedy of huge personal loss.
The introduction was written by Dr Margaret Ward. Our copy is a hardback in excellent condition and has a very good dust jacket.