Sinéad Derrig facts for kids

Sinéad Derrig (Irish: Sinéad Ní Dheirg; 2 March 1899 – 3 April 1991) was an important Irish civil servant. She is best known as the personal secretary to Michael Collins. He was a key leader during Ireland's fight for independence. She was so trusted by him that she was called "almost his left hand."

Her Early Life

Sinéad Mason was born in Craigaroddan, Ards, County Down on 2 March 1899. She was the oldest of eight children. Her parents were Thomas and Catherine Mason.

She went to Ballyphilip national school in Ards. Later, she moved to Dublin to live with her aunt. There, she attended Holy Faith convent and then St Michael's Loreto convent in Navan. She worked briefly as a secretary in Dublin. She also worked for a short time as secretary to Éamon de Valera. He was another important Irish leader. This was before he went to the United States in 1919.

Working with Michael Collins

Sinéad Derrig became Michael Collins' personal secretary in 1919. She worked with him until 1922. This was during the Irish War of Independence. This was a time when Ireland fought for its freedom from British rule.

During these years, she worked very long hours. She was trusted with secret information. She also knew about the dangers Collins faced every day. Collins even arranged for her to live safely with her aunt. Many of Collins' family and friends thought he might marry her because they were so close.

Life After Collins

After Michael Collins died in 1922, Sinéad took a job in the Department of Local Government. She left this job in 1928 when she married Thomas Derrig.

Sinéad and Thomas Derrig had two daughters, Úna and Íosold. They lived in Dublin. Later in her life, Sinéad Derrig did not want to give interviews about her time working with Michael Collins.

She passed away at her home in Booterstown on 3 April 1991. Shortly before she died, she gave a special gift to the National Library of Ireland. It was a copy of a journal written by Collins when he was in Sligo jail in 1918.