This comprehensive examination of the role of Irish Republican women throughout the development of Sinn Fein spans a century of challenges and sustained commitment to the realization of an independent Ireland.

The role of women in Sinn Fein has been consistent yet varied—often in a supportive capacity simply below the surface, but Sinn Fein women have not been just behind the scenes or in the shadows. Republican women may have been foot soldiers in the movement, but they have also been generals leading the command for equality.

Even though the role of women within Sinn Fein has been consistent and persistent, many historical books seem to be unaware of the contributions of women in the struggle for Irish independence. Whilst the important events in Irish history are retold with the precision worthy of mythical legends, the legacy of Republican women seems to be reduced to an obscure footnote. In this book, deconstructing the images of Irish women and demonstrating the significant responsibilities of a female foot soldier within Sinn Fein will profile a general overview of the duties performed by the Republican woman.

Whether overt or covert, these Republican women have been seen as agents of rebellion and social action. Strong, determined, and principled, Republican women have played an integral role in the political development of an independent Ireland. In a centennial review of the legacy of the women of Sinn Fein, this book seeks to raise awareness of the footnoted foot soldiers and their lasting contributions.

This well-researched history of Republican women in Sinn Fein uncovers the activities of a committed and brave group of women who were not content to simply play supporting roles, but were integral to their cause and active in combat and political arenas, often paying a great personal price for their dedication.

Features
• Contains archival research from the National Archives in Dublin and Linenhall Library in Belfast
• Provides illustrations depicting the structure of the Irish Free State government and power/election flow in both current North and South elections in Ireland
• Art-quality portraits of each interviewee
• Bibliography consists of eight chapter-based endnotes with full citations and references
• Full index of names and events (referenced chronologically)

Highlights
• Provides a baseline history of Republican women in the context of general Irish history
• Contains unprecedented authorized interviews from Sinn Fein members
• Brings the often harsh reality of Irish history alive via personal accounts of strip searching and prison conditions, and documents the personal sacrifice of women forced to balance home, work, and activism
• Provides an exclusive, detailed biography of the only female president of Sinn Fein, Margaret Buckley

Margaret W. Keiley-Listermann is assistant professor of political science at Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA.