Laois women activists in time of global war and rebellion

Activism by the women of Laois at the time global war and rebellion in Ireland in the early 20th century is the focus of an upcoming talk in Portlaoise. 

Local historian and Laois Heritage Society member Regina Dunne will speak on Women’s Activism in Laois from 1914 to 1923 in Portlaoise Library on Wednesday, July 10.

Regina will provide an overview of the various women's groups in Laois who were actively supporting their local community, their country and their fathers, husbands, brothers and neighbours who fought in the Great War.

Regina's current research focuses on the United Irishwomen and their activities to 'brighten the countryside', while also trying to stem emigration from rural Ireland; she has been researching the Volunteer Aid Detachments of Laois and that work continues; in addition, she showcases some of the Bureau of Military History records to show an overall image of women's history in Laois during this period.

The talk is part of Portlaoise Library's summer series of local history talks which take place in Portlaoise library at 7pm on Wednesday evenings throughout July.

The organisers say the series covers a broad range of local history topics from cricket in Laois to controversial Laois man Kevin O’Higgins. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The talk on the Stradbally native takes place on Wednesday, July 24 in Portlaoise Library and will be delivered by Arthur Mathews. Mr Mathews has recently published a book in May 2024 on O’Higgins called Walled In By Hate: Kevin O’Higgins, His Friends and Enemies. The Laois man was IRA activist before serving as Vice-President of the Executive Council and Minister for Justice from 1922 to 1927 in the first Government after independence. He was assassinated in Dublin in 1927.