The short biographies of ten intrepid Irishwomen are told in this new title by Clive Scoular. His enthusiasm for bringing the lives of largely unknown Irishwomen to the notice of the general population is renowned.
Constance Markievicz, Maud Gonne and Hanna Sheehy Skeffington were towering women who fought against all odds for equal rights for women – and won.
The tenacity of Sarah Purser ensured that the skills of Irish painters and stained glass window artists were promoted enabling them to splendidly adorn many of Ireland’s new churches and cathedrals. Belfast can be proud of its own Saidie Patterson whose tough approach to the mill bosses brought decent wages for the girls in the 1940s and 1950s. Edith Londonderry, though born into privilege, shone like a beacon in giving help and succour to those who needed it during two world wars.
The Irish theatre owes much to the brilliant Augusta Gregory whose genius for discovering Irish literary talent was legendary. Tyrone’s Alice Milligan was accorded the accolade of best poet of her day and generation.
The fearless Mary Bailey was the first woman to fly solo from the British Isles to Cape Town, undertaking the hazardous journey in a most flimsy aeroplane with precious few navigational aids to assist her. Hazel Lavery, wife of the famous Belfast born artist, Sir John Lavery, left her indelible mark by using her influence on Michael Collins to sign the Treaty between Great Britain and the Irish leaders in 1921.
Published: October 2009
