Bríd Dixon facts for kids

Bríd Dixon was an Irish woman who strongly believed in Ireland being a free and independent country. She was born on February 13, 1893. Bríd was one of the brave women who helped out at the GPO during the Easter Rising in 1916.

Bríd Dixon's Early Life

Bríd Dixon was born Bridget Angela Dixon in Phibsborough, Dublin. Her father, Henry Dixon, was a nationalist. This means he was very proud of Ireland and wanted it to be a separate country. Bríd's mother was Mary Gillis.

Learning and Irish Culture

Bríd's father made sure she learned the Irish language. She went to Muckross Park Dominican Convent for her education. Bríd and her sisters also visited Irish College in Ballingeary many times to improve their Irish.

Bríd was a member of the Keating Branch of the Gaelic League. This group worked to keep the Irish language and culture alive. Like many other women, Bríd then joined Cumann na mBan. This was a women's organization that supported Irish independence. She learned first aid and marched in important events, like the funeral of Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa.

Starting a Drama Group

Bríd also helped start a drama group called Na bAisteoiri. This group put on plays in the Irish language. It later became known as the Comhar Dramuiochta.

Her Role in the Revolution

Just before the Easter Rising in 1916, Bríd's father sent her out of Dublin. However, her brother cycled to her to tell her where to go on Monday.

Helping During the Rising

Bríd helped Brigid Foley deliver money safely. But there was a lot of confusion during the first few days of the Rising. Bríd and her group were not used much at first. By the middle of the week, they made their way into the city. They bravely entered the GPO during the fighting. Bríd was with Leslie Price, and they were determined to reach the GPO on O'Connell Street. Once they arrived, they were given different tasks.

Working in the GPO

Initially, Bríd worked upstairs in the kitchen for Louise Gavan Duffy. On Wednesday, she was sent out as a messenger. She carried ammunition to Father Mathew Hall in Church Street with Leslie Price. Bríd and Leslie were often sent together to deliver important messages. Bríd also copied out instructions for various leaders.

Eventually, most of the women in the GPO were safely moved out of the building. Only a small number of women stayed with the men. Even though soldiers questioned Bríd, she was not arrested or put in prison. She could not go home until the fighting was completely over.

Bríd Dixon married Bernard E. Fee, who was an engineering draughtsman, on August 12, 1931.