Moate Museum and Historical Society will host a lecture entitled The Women in 1916 by author and historian Ruth Illingworth in Moate on Monday, March 7.
More than 200 women took part in the Easter 1916 Rising, while up to 10,000 women played a part in the struggle for independence between 1916 and 1921. For many decades after Ireland won freedom, the role of these patriotic women was downplayed and often forgotten. As Ireland marks the centenary of the Rising, the women of 1916 are finally regaining their place in Irish his/her-story.
This talk will tell the stories of some of the women who were involved in the Rising.
Winifred Carney was known as ‘the Secretary with the Webley’. Dr Kathleen Lynn was Medical Officer to the Irish Citizens Army. Elis and Emily Elliott from Westmeath cared for the wounded in the Four Courts. Dr Ada English from Mullingar was with the Volunteers in Athenry.
One woman jumped in a window in the GPO in order to join The Rising. A teenage girl jumped out her bedroom window to return to The Rising. In prison, women would dance a 16-hand reel in a powerful display of solidarity and defiance. Women risked their lives and liberty for the country they loved. This talk will honour their memory.
Ruth Illingworth is a historian and tour guide who lives in Mullingar. She is currently writing a book about Westmeath.
The talk will take place in The Grand Hotel, Moate on Monday, March 7 at 8.15pm. All are welcome.
