Rediscovering the Activist Grandmothers: Unearthing the Hidden Stories of Ireland’s Unsung Heroes
When Professor Caitríona Beaumont, the Professor of Social History at London South Bank University, was invited to speak at a symposium at University College Dublin (UCD) marking the centenary of the February Cumann na mBan 1922 convention, she had no idea that her own grandmother had spoken at the event. It was an astonishing revelation for her to discover that her grandmother, Máirín McGavock, had given an impassioned speech in 1922, which would be rediscovered by her own granddaughter a hundred years later.
In her speech, Máirín, who later joined the executive of Cumann na mBan, vehemently opposed the Anglo-Irish treaty of the previous year. While acknowledging that the treaty would bring a pause in fighting, she expressed her belief that accepting it would mean never achieving a republic. These words struck a chord with Professor Beaumont, who had always known her grandmother as a caring and gentle woman, but never imagined her involvement in such significant political affairs.
The role of women activists in early 20th century Ireland was often overlooked, and an idealized version of womanhood as gentle wives and mothers began to take hold in the nascent Irish state. The female activists who had fought for independence were demonized and marginalized, their stories hidden and forgotten.
Professor Beaumont’s discovery of her grandmother’s activism did not end with the revelation of her speech. She also found a witness statement from Máirín to the Irish Bureau of Military History, in which she detailed storing ammunition and revolvers for the Irish Volunteers in 1915. This was a far cry from the image of her grandmother she had always known. Máirín had also fundraised for the families of Easter Rising prisoners, trained in first aid and nursing, and worked long night shifts during the flu pandemic of 1918, caring for people without political distinction.
Máirín’s involvement in republican politics during the 1920s became even more apparent when Professor Beaumont discovered another family photograph. The picture captured her grandmother’s presence at the wedding of prominent republicans Tom Barry and Leslie Price, where other notable figures such as Éamon de Valera and Michael Collins were also guests. It was a testament to Máirín’s dedication and active participation in shaping the Ireland of that time.
Inspired by her personal journey of rediscovery, Professor Beaumont established the Afterlives of Activist Women project, which aims to uncover the hidden stories of other women who played crucial roles in Irish history. The project seeks to shed light on these often-dismissed women who were branded as furies and die-hards during their time.
The Afterlives project also encourages others to explore and uncover the secret lives of the women in their own families, challenging the notion of these women solely as sweet old ladies. It highlights the many significant contributions they made to society as wives, mothers, activists, and professionals. These women played pivotal roles in shaping the Ireland of today, leaving a lasting impact through their activism and their commitment to causes they believed in.
As the Decade of Centenaries draws to a close, Professor Beaumont emphasizes the importance of continuing to bring these stories to light. There are countless other activist grandmothers and hidden stories waiting to be discovered in family photographs, attics, and archives across the country. By uncovering and celebrating their contributions, we can gain a richer understanding of the diverse voices and experiences that shaped Ireland’s history.
Professor Caitríona Beaumont will be speaking at the West Cork History Festival, where she will share her findings and insights into activist grandmothers like her own. Through her work, she aims to inspire others to delve into the untold stories of the women who shaped our past and continue to inspire us today.
