Constance markiewicz biography

Irish revolutionary who was both symbol and exemplar of the crucial role played by many active, though less visible, women in Irish nationalist politics between and Pronunciation: Mark-ee-vitz. November 14, Founded Fianna na hEireann ; joined labor movement during Great Lockout in Dublin ; fought in Dublin during rebellion as member of Irish Citizen Army; sentenced to death but reprieved, and spent year in prison; elected to first Dail Eireann and appointed secretary for labour ; opposed Anglo-Irish Treaty of and played active part in civil war — Inwhen the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rebellion was the occasion of flamboyant and sometimes xenophobic celebration in Ireland, Countess Constance Markievicz occupied a unique position in popular Irish history: she was, apparently, the only clearly identifiable woman who had been actively engaged in revolutionary pursuits.

Constance markiewicz biography

She was, it was implied rather than stated, the token exception amongst the smallish group of women participants in the Rising as the rebellion became generally known whose role was to clerk, cook, nurse, load weapons, and eventually bear white flags.

Much emphasis was placed on her patrician and Anglo-Irish background, and her conversion to Irish nationalist principles was quietly referred to as a further sign of the legitimacy of those principles. She was truly the "Rebel Countess," each side of that description lending support to the other.