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Video – éirígí remembers Kathleen Lynn

12/03/09

Saturday (March 7) saw éirígí celebrate International Women’s Day in a ceremony held in Dublin. In marking International Women’s Day éirígí remembered Suffragette, Irish Citizen Army Volunteer, Doctor and revolutionary – Kathleen Lynn.

The event saw activists and supporters gather in Deansgrange cemetery in Dublin at the graveside of the respected feminist, socialist and republican.

Proceedings were chaired by Suzie Murray, who introduced Joanne McDonald to give an overview of the life and achievements of Dr Lynn. Joanne described the poverty, destitution and sexism which inspired Lynn to become politically active and her subsequent involvement in the Irish freedom struggle.

Born in county Mayo in 1874 she spent her adult life in struggle, dedicating herself to the cause of the suffragette movement, social justice and national liberation. She was chief medical officer in the Irish Citizen Army in the 1916 Rising, playing a prominent role in the hostilities of Easter Week.

Captured, imprisoned and eventually deported by the British occupation forces, she nevertheless continued her involvement in the struggle for Irish independence in the following years.

Joanne’s contribution was followed by a reading of the Democratic Programme of the First Dáil, delivered as Gaeilge by éirígí spokesperson Ursula Shannon.

A wreath was then laid at Lynn’s graveside and a moment of silence was held to remember all who had fought and died in the struggle for equality and liberty for all regardless of gender, race or creed.