RTE Radio 1 Documentary: Women of the Revolution


Click here to listen to the Women of the Revolution documentary which was first broadcast on 12 April 1971

Donncha O’Dulaing talks to some of the women who were heavily involved in the Easter Rising in 1916.

Contributers include Nora Connolly O’Brien who was the daughter of James Connolly. She was a founder member of the Young Republic Party and had very strong ties to the Irish republican movement up until her death in 1981.

Rosie Hackett was very active in trade unions throughout her life. In the years leading up to 1916, she had worked as a clerk for the Irish Trade Union and General Workers Union. She has the distinction of being the only woman who was present at Liberty Hall for the printing of the Proclamation.

Scottish born Margaret Skinnider was notable for being a sniper and the only female wounded in the crossfire. She had helped smuggle bomb making equipment into Ireland.

Other interviewees include Leslie Bean De Barra, Eily O’Hanrahan O’Reilly, Eilis Bean Ui Chonaill, Phyllis Bean Ui Cheallaigh and Sheila Grennan.

Produced and presented by Donncha O’Dulaing

First broadcast 12th April 1971