Bridget Connolly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bridget Connolly
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| Born | 23 May 1890 Friarstown, County Carlow, Ireland
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| Died | 15 November 1981 (aged 91) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Other names | Brid, Brede |
Bridget Connolly (born May 23, 1890 – died November 15, 1981) was an important Irish woman. She was a nationalist and republican. This means she worked for Ireland's independence and a republic.
Bridget was very active during the Easter Rising in 1916. She is thought to be the only person from County Carlow who was inside the General Post Office, Dublin (GPO) during the Rising. She also played a role in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War.
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Early Life and Joining the Fight
Bridget Connolly was born on May 23, 1890. Her birthplace was Friarstown, near Killerig, in County Carlow. Her parents were Peter Connolly and Elizabeth Gaynor. Her father was a labourer.
By 1911, her family had moved to Artane, Dublin. Bridget went to school at St. Vincent's Convent School in Dublin. She later became a school teacher. After finishing her studies, she joined Cumann na mBan. This was an important Irish women's group. They worked to support Irish independence.
Role in the Easter Rising
Before the Easter Rising began, Bridget helped prepare. She stored weapons, including over a dozen Mauser rifles. These were important for the fight.
During the Rising, Bridget was part of the group at the GPO. She carried important messages between leaders. For example, she took messages from James Connolly in the GPO to Ned Daly. She also worked at the Hibernian Bank during that week.
As the fighting continued, it became clear the GPO could not be held. On Friday, Patrick Pearse and James Connolly gave Bridget a special task. They asked her to lead a group of women safely out of the building. She led about 30 to 40 women out. They carried a white flag to show they were surrendering. The group was arrested and taken to Summerhill. However, they were released later that same evening.
Other members of Cumann na mBan spoke highly of Bridget. They said she was of the "highest grade." After the Rising, she searched for a volunteer named Paddy Shortis. Sadly, she found out he had died during the retreat from the GPO.
War of Independence and Civil War
Bridget continued her work during the Irish War of Independence. She helped collect and store weapons. She also found safe places for men who were hiding from the authorities. These safe houses were very important.
During the Irish Civil War, Bridget took on more dangerous missions. She traveled to Manchester and Liverpool in England. She was sent there by Austin Stack. Her job was to send secret messages (cables) to the United States. She then waited for the replies.
She was also involved in the attack on the Four Courts in 1922. She was with the group at Barry's Hotel. She helped organize men and move weapons. This was done under the orders of Oscar Traynor. After this attack, she was arrested. She was released in late November 1923.
Recognition and Later Life
Bridget Connolly received several medals for her service. In 1941, on the 25th anniversary of the Rising, she received her 1916 Medal. This was for her brave actions in the GPO.
She was also given three more medals:
- The Service Medal (1917-1921)
- The 1916-1966 Easter Rising Anniversary Commemorative Medal
- The Truce (1921) Commemoration Medal
Bridget Connolly passed away on November 15, 1981. She is buried in her family's plot in Grange cemetery, County Carlow.
