Anno O'Rahilly facts for kids

Anna "Anno" O'Rahilly (born Rahilly) was an important Irish woman who helped fight for Ireland's independence. She was born on February 17, 1873, in Ballylongford, County Kerry, and passed away in 1958. Anno was a member of Cumann na mBan, a group of women who supported the Irish Volunteers. She was also held as a prisoner and went on hunger strike because of her beliefs. Her brother was The O'Rahilly, a leader in the 1916 Easter Rising, and her sister was Nell Humphreys, who was also a leader in Cumann na mBan.

Anna O'Rahilly: A Fighter for Irish Freedom

Early Life and Family

Anno O'Rahilly was born into a family that cared deeply about Ireland's future. Her father, Richard Rahilly, was a grocer and a local leader who supported Irish independence. Her mother was Ellen Mangan. Anno was one of several children, including her famous brother, The O'Rahilly, who became a well-known leader in the 1916 Easter Rising. Her sister, Nell Humphreys, also played a big part in Cumann na mBan. Like her brother, Anno changed her last name from Rahilly to O'Rahilly, which was a way to show pride in their Irish heritage.

Joining the Fight for Independence

Anno O'Rahilly was very active in the movement for Irish independence. She joined the Gaelic League, an organization that promoted the Irish language and culture. In April 1914, she was one of the first women to help start Cumann na mBan in Wynne's Hotel in Dublin. This group was formed to support the Irish Volunteers and help achieve an independent Ireland.

After the Easter Rising

The Easter Rising in 1916 was a major event where Irish rebels fought against British rule. Anno's brother, The O'Rahilly, sadly died fighting during the Rising. After the rebellion was put down, Anno O'Rahilly was arrested and held by the authorities. Many people involved in the Rising or who supported it were imprisoned.

A Loan for the New Government

After the Rising, the fight for independence continued. In 1919, a new Irish government, called Dáil Éireann, was formed. Anno O'Rahilly showed her strong support by providing the very first money handled by this new government. She gave a loan of £2000, which was a large sum at the time. This money helped the new government get started. The National Library of Ireland even has a letter from her asking for money to help the families of Irish prisoners.

Challenges During the Civil War

The fight for Ireland's future continued, leading to the Irish Civil War (1922-1923). This was a difficult time when Irish people fought against each other over the Anglo-Irish Treaty. On November 4, 1922, during the Civil War, Anno O'Rahilly was accidentally shot at her family home in Ailesbury Road. She was injured but recovered from the incident.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

After her recovery, Anno O'Rahilly was again held prisoner for the rest of the Civil War. She was kept in several prisons, including Mountjoy Prison, Kilmainham Gaol, and the North Dublin Union. While she was imprisoned in October and November 1923, she went on a hunger strike. This was a way for prisoners to protest their detention and show their commitment to their cause. Anno O'Rahilly's actions showed her bravery and dedication to Irish independence throughout her life.