Irelands Greatest Woman

tomasocarthaigh

We all hear the speil about who was the greatest Irishman. Who was the greatest Irishwoman in your opinion? (Deceased please... we dont want Mary Robinsons head getting too big, or her hands getting too animated. She just might kill someone with a Karate chop!)

who the fug

Or Demand 4 42 Gun salute



I certainly would put Gráinne_Ní_Mháille in my list

PatsytheNazi

Anne Devlin. From Wicklow orginally, her first experiences of state terror was in 1798 when her family home been often raided and many of her family members imprisoned. She was taken on as Robert Emmet's housekeeper to give a sense of normallity to hide the coming and going of men and materials from the house in preparation for the attempted rising. Immediately following the failed rising in 1803, her and her eight-year-old sister were arrested. She was interrogated and tortured by half hanging but refused to give any information. After returning to live in her family home the entire family were then seized by the military.

She refused bribes to inform on Emmett despite being threatened with death. She was then sent to Kilmainham Jail and further interrogated where Emmet himself urged her to inform on him to save herself as he was already doomed. She was kept in squalid conditions and subjected to brutal treatment but consistently refused to cooperate despite her entire family being jailed in an effort to break her.

She was eventually released in 1806 and later married, having two children. Although financially supported by sympathisers for a number of years following her release, she ended her days in poverty, and died in obscurity in the Liberties, Dublin in 1851. She is buried like many Irish heros such as Micheal Collins and O'Donovan Rossa in Glasnevin.

ValJester

Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington. Sadly the Irish suffrage movement has been overlooked, meaning the role of women in the struggle for independence has been to some extent overlooked(particularly in the secondary schools). Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington was a key figure in Irish nationalism and equality, and as a result is my choice for greatest Irish woman, and someone without whom this country would be a much lesser place.

MarchDub

And Countess Markievicz - Constance Gore-Booth. First woman elected to the British House of Commons as Sinn Fein member - so consequently member of the first Dail in 1919.

Nolanger

Mary McAleese - whenever she attends our international football games we lose!

Nolanger

Yep, I was right

Micilin Muc

+1 on Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington. She was a contemporary of Anna and Fanny Parnell, two other great Irish women.

PatsytheNazi

I'll tell you one woman who wouldn't be on my list is Devorgilla O'Rourke whose eloping with Dermot MacMurrough ended up bringing the bloody Normans here

spurious

There are thousands of them, but they won't be mentioned anywhere.

They are the widows who brought up families of seven and more kids without any social welfare help, the women who ran farms and managed families single-handed. The many women who died in childbirth due to religious interference which stopped them accessing contraception. The women who went without food themselves to make sure their kids ate.

The women who even today, left school early to go to work and those who get up daily at 5am to clean our offices, workplaces, toilets, unnoticed and unthanked.

They are all Ireland's greatest women.

Riddle101

I'd say Countess Markievicz would be of some consideration.

chughes

PatsytheNazi wrote: »

I'll tell you one woman who wouldn't be on my list is Devorgilla O'Rourke whose eloping with Dermot MacMurrough ended up bringing the bloody Normans here

Did this happen before she took up the running ?

tomasocarthaigh

Hear hear!!!

spurious wrote: »

There are thousands of them, but they won't be mentioned anywhere.

They are the widows who brought up families of seven and more kids without any social welfare help, the women who ran farms and managed families single-handed. The many women who died in childbirth due to religious interference which stopped them accessing contraception. The women who went without food themselves to make sure their kids ate.

The women who even today, left school early to go to work and those who get up daily at 5am to clean our offices, workplaces, toilets, unnoticed and unthanked.

They are all Ireland's greatest women.

InTheTrees

How about Maud Gonne?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maud_Gonne

Rebelheart

Sinéad Nugent (née Marward), daughter of the Baron Skreen in Meath, who fed, clothed and supported her husband, Liam Nuinseann following his uprising in 1580.

Rebelheart

I'm waiting for FrattonFred to be true to form and suggest that his compatriot Diana Spenser be on this list....

oncevotedff

Nolanger wrote: »

Mary McAleese - whenever she attends our international football games we lose!

Her current non-deceased status precludes her from consideration.

I nominate Nano Nagle.

http://www.independent.ie/education/nano-nagle--remains-an-influential-educator-1722506.html

Denerick

Hannah Sheehy Skeffington, no doubt about it.

pjmn

Mammy.

shocks121

miriam o callaghan

JohnFalstaff

There is a wonderful book written by Sinéad McCoole called No Ordinary Women which deals with the many women who were involved in the fight for Ireland's freedom during the revolutionary period 1900 -1923. It's a story that deserves more attention.

Although I have to agree with the previous poster who put forward 'Mammy' as Ireland's greatest woman. There's something very right about that.

wolfpawnat

Grace Gifford, married Joseph Plunkett the night before he was shot in Kilmainham, she never once looked at another man when she was widowed, she also continued the fight for Irish freedom!!

Also the Countess, I have stated my reasons for this on the Irelands greastest persons thread already

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=68123510#post68123510

CDfm

Micilin Muc wrote: »

+1 on Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington. .

Anna Haslam is another Cork Woman and it stands to reason that the Greatest Irish Woman should be from Cork.

Emme

spurious wrote: »

There are thousands of them, but they won't be mentioned anywhere.

They are the widows who brought up families of seven and more kids without any social welfare help, the women who ran farms and managed families single-handed. The many women who died in childbirth due to religious interference which stopped them accessing contraception. The women who went without food themselves to make sure their kids ate.

The women who even today, left school early to go to work and those who get up daily at 5am to clean our offices, workplaces, toilets, unnoticed and unthanked.

They are all Ireland's greatest women.

You are so right. These women worked so hard - not only did they run farms and households, often without modern conveniences or mechanisation, they raised large families, had most of their children at home AND they often cared for in-law as well. Today there are women who look after sick children or elderly relatives 24/7, saving the state a fortune into the bargain and get no thanks and minimal help for it.

Many of the "heroic" women mentioned above (ie Constance Gore-Booth) came from privileged backgrounds or happened to be the lover of a patriot, but I think that Irish women from ordinary backgrounds worked much harder, albeit in the background and they deserve recognition for their contribution to Ireland.

If you're thinking of high profile Irish women, I would nominate Sister Stanislaus Kennedy.

MarchDub

spurious wrote: »

There are thousands of them, but they won't be mentioned anywhere.

They are the widows who brought up families of seven and more kids without any social welfare help, the women who ran farms and managed families single-handed. The many women who died in childbirth due to religious interference which stopped them accessing contraception. The women who went without food themselves to make sure their kids ate.

The women who even today, left school early to go to work and those who get up daily at 5am to clean our offices, workplaces, toilets, unnoticed and unthanked.

They are all Ireland's greatest women.

Emme wrote: »

Many of the "heroic" women mentioned above (ie Constance Gore-Booth) came from privileged backgrounds or happened to be the lover of a patriot, but I think that Irish women from ordinary backgrounds worked much harder, albeit in the background and they deserve recognition for their contribution to Ireland.

I agree totally with Spurious' opinion of these non sung heroes but I would question your inference Emme that just because a woman comes from what you call a 'privileged' background would automatically preclude her from being considered.

In the final analysis it's what someone does with their life that's important - not the starting point. IMO women from all levels of society are eligible to be considered - many women from so called privileged backgrounds did not sit around in the parlours - they got out there and made a difference. And I say good for them also.

seanw7

Who ever she is , id say she made a great cup of Tea ?

Emme

MarchDub wrote: »

I agree totally with Spurious' opinion of these non sung heroes but I would question your inference Emme that just because a woman comes from what you call a 'privileged' background would automatically preclude her from being considered.

In the final analysis it's what someone does with their life that's important - not the starting point. IMO women from all levels of society are eligible to be considered - many women from so called privileged backgrounds did not sit around in the parlours - they got out there and made a difference. And I say good for them also.

Women from all backgrounds make a contribution - it's just that those from a privileged background are more likely to have their efforts recognised. Also those who make a political contribution (eg Mary Robinson) are more likely to get recognition than working class women who slog away in the background making a social contribution (eg caring 24/7 for a child with autism or cystic fibrosis). Again, those who make a political contribution are more likely to have gone to university - some women didn't get to finish their education yet made a huge contribution to Ireland in their own way.

MarchDub

Emme wrote: »

Women from all backgrounds make a contribution - it's just that those from a privileged background are more likely to have their efforts recognised. Also those who make a political contribution (eg Mary Robinson) are more likely to get recognition than working class women who slog away in the background making a social contribution (eg caring 24/7 for a child with autism or cystic fibrosis). Again, those who make a political contribution are more likely to have gone to university - some women didn't get to finish their education yet made a huge contribution to Ireland in their own way.

I can't disagree with that.

goose2005

The crystallographer Kathleen Lonsdale, who discovered the structure of benzene and was the first woman elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, first woman tenured professor at University College London, first woman president of the International Union of Crystallography, and first woman president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. She was also a prominent pacifist.

Emme

goose2005 wrote: »

The crystallographer Kathleen Lonsdale, who discovered the structure of benzene and was the first woman elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, first woman tenured professor at University College London, first woman president of the International Union of Crystallography, and first woman president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. She was also a prominent pacifist.

Where in Ireland did she come from?

Billiejo

What about the 1800's Elsie Sands and Nora Diamond. Nothing to do with politics. Maybe religion and Health care!!!!. But they made one hell of a contribution to the welfare of Irish lads, lassies and their kids.

CDfm

Billiejo wrote: »

What about the 1800's Elsie Sands and Nora Diamond. Nothing to do with politics. Maybe religion and Health care!!!!. But they made one hell of a contribution to the welfare of Irish lads, lassies and their kids.

what did they do ?

FoxT

My Missus. She has brought 4 wonderful children into the world, fed, reared, loved & minded them while I was away working, brings me breakfast in bed, always surprises me on my birthday & at Christmas, and is a boon companion.

- FoxT

maxxie

FoxT wrote: »

My Missus. She has brought 4 wonderful children into the world, fed, reared, loved & minded them while I was away working, brings me breakfast in bed, always surprises me on my birthday & at Christmas, and is a boon companion.

- FoxT

what has she done for Ireland?

brianthebard

FoxT wrote: »

My Missus. She has brought 4 wonderful children into the world, fed, reared, loved & minded them while I was away working, brings me breakfast in bed, always surprises me on my birthday & at Christmas, and is a boon companion.

- FoxT

Fail. Do not post in this thread again if you're not going to make a serious comment. Mod.

goose2005

Emme wrote: »

Where in Ireland did she come from?

Born in Newbridge, although she spent most of her life in England.

Emme

goose2005 wrote: »

Born in Newbridge, although she spent most of her life in England.

I never heard of her until now. When you think of all the recognition Marie Curie (rightfully) received, this woman is being short-changed.

Denerick

brianthebard wrote: »

Fail. Do not post in this thread again if you're not going to make a serious comment. Mod.

And yet the one word post 'mammy' was accepted and thanked by many. Leave the mod cap off for a moment and chill out.

hotmail.com

Mary Byrne?

But seriously and sadly, as high profile women go, there isn't many options in Ireland. But I agree with a previous post, about the unspoken women of Ireland, the mothers, wives, sisters etc that shaped Ireland to what it is today. Is that patronising? (I'm sorry if it sounds like that!).

Whether you like her or not, Mary Harney has been one of the most influential woman in Irish history. That kinda says something.

CDfm

hotmail.com wrote: »

But seriously and sadly, as high profile women go, there isn't many options in Ireland. But I agree with a previous post, about the unspoken women of Ireland, the mothers, wives, sisters etc that shaped Ireland to what it is today. Is that patronising? (I'm sorry if it sounds like that!).

Whether you like her or not, Mary Harney has been one of the most influential woman in Irish history. That kinda says something.

I think that is a bit unfair and I don't think people are fleshing out the characters and accomplishments of those they put forward enough.

CDfm wrote: »

The Arklow Shipowner Kate Tyrell was the first to use it internationally on her schooner as she sailed into Liverpool after Independence and it got confused with the Italian flag. She had an ensign made several years earlier which she kept in a box in her cabin.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=66291928&postcount=83

She used to transport explosives which were volitile and were safer in timber vessels. She was also the first woman ships master recorded on the Llyods Shipping Register.

So the first person to officially use the flag in any legal sense, may indeed have been a woman. And seeing that this is an iconic man thread

I did this light hearted post in the Gentlemans Club but Kate Tyrell should be iconic but isn't in the same way that Anna Haslam is airbrushed out.

I think the reason is that we do not know them as people and they had larger lives.

I can think of a few Irish actresses and singers ,like Peg Woffington the acclaimed 18th century shakesperian actress and sometime companion of David Garrick who had a Molly Malone style upbringing, and I would like to see more than just names but why we should admire them.



I really would love to read more but people of substance.

Billiejo

CDfm wrote: »

what did they do ?

Google the names.

Elsie Sands; Sands Home The Curragh Supported young soldiers.

Nora Diamond: The FIRST Public Health Nurse based in the Curragh 1890ish.

CDfm

Billiejo wrote: »

Google the names.

Elsie Sands; Sands Home The Curragh Supported young soldiers.

Nora Diamond: The FIRST Public Health Nurse based in the Curragh 1890ish.

I did and for Elise Sands I get this

Elises dream of having a Sands Home in every Garrison town in Ireland was fast becoming a reality (22 homes by 1913) and she was proving herself to be a very competent administrator as more Homes were established (11) in widely scattered remote locations across India.

The Curragh Home where 5,000 soldiers were based at the time (1899) was so successful and particularly gratifying to Elise. The women in charge were addressed as 'Mother' and it is clear from the many testimonies of grateful soldiers that they created a 'Home from Home' atmosphere for lonely men, some of whom were alcoholics.
Many of the men believed themselves to have been saved in body and spirit and some even became missionaries.

The Great War (1914)
When war was declared Elise was in Coolmoney Camp and increased her humanitarian work as Army camps expanded with the call-up of reserves and new recruits.
She and her helpers quickly became aware of the appalling scale of casualties and horrors of war reported in the many letters sent from the trenches and their work for the next 4 years was to prepare men for death.
Along with prayers there were practical supports: parcels sent to men at the front, with food, clothing, books, magazines and treats. Women went on board troopships before they sailed, handing out postcards and pencils for soldiers to send a last message home.

And for Nora Diamond I get this

The baby would have been born at the Curragh Families Hospital (gone in the last 5 years) next door to the Military Hospital which still exists.
There was a Community Welfare Nurse for the army families (actually a fore-runner of the present Health Visitor) Name was Nora Diamond, based at Alexandra House in the Curragh from 1892 employed by SAFFA (British Army Welfare for families overseas) still in existance.
Curragh Camp army base & married quarters still exist as handed over to the Irish defense forces when the British left in 1922.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,198184.msg991620.html

Now call me a bit of an old cynic but you must for some reason think they were exceptional and they are very interesting choices as both appeared to have left when the British Army pulled out. Miss Sands moved to Co Down.

I was driving near the Curragh a while back and the local radio was running a story about the curragh wrens , women camp followers and prostitutes who used to live in mud dug outs etc in the fields around the Curragh. Lots of Irish lived in mud huts even then census of 1890 had returns of 10% of homes being so.

It is an interesting topic as our perceptions of garrisons and their lives and integration is not much discussed.