Revolutionary woman: Kathleen Clarke, 1878-1972: an autobiography

Abstract

This is a unique, absorbing, firsthand account of an activist during the most exciting period in Irish history. Kathleen Clarke was a political activist and wife of Tom Clarke, first signatory of the Easter 1916 Proclamation. She was entrusted with all the plans and decisions of the Irish Republican Brotherhood prior to the Rising and in its aftermath lost both her husband and her only brother, Ned Daly, who were executed. Her story is one of incredible personal courage and commitment and an authentic account of the turbulent times and the famous people who shaped the future of Ireland. Kathleen knew and worked with many of the major figures in modern Irish history - De Valera, Michael Collins, Padraig Pearse, James Connolly, and the book contains personal, enlightening, often funny and sometimes controversial insights into these fascinating personalities. As well as the 1916 period her story includes the setting up of Cumann na mBan, the O'Donovan Rossa funeral, Kathleen's period in prison with Countess Markievicz and Maud Gonne Mac Bride, the Black and Tan raids, the Treaty and the Civil War. Kathleen remained politically active all her life and in 1939 became the first woman Lord Mayor of Dublin. She died in 1972, at the age of 94 and was honoured with a State funeral. Illustrated with rare historical material and photos from the Clarke and Daly family albums, this title is edited by Helen Litton, granddaughter of Laura Daly O'Sullivan, younger sister of Kathleen Clarke. She lives in Dublin and works as a freelance indexer, proof-reader and editor.