Figures of speech......

THE VOICES OF IRISH WOMEN WHO SHAPED OUR POLITICS & CULTURE

- LARISSA NOLAN

A NEW book of women’s speeches celebrates some of the strongest female voices in Irish history. 

Irish Women’s Speeches features such bold and brilliant characters as republican revolutionary Maud Gonne, actress Maureen O’Hara, journalist Veronica Guerin and author Edna O’Brien.

The collection of 17 emotive speeches was put together by academic Sonja Tiernan.

It’s the second volume of Tiernan’s collection, following on from the bestselling first edition Voices That Rocked The System.

Here are some extracts from the speeches, which show how women have shaped Irish culture, literature, theatre and art at home and abroad.

Revolutionary, writer, suffragette and muse Maud Gonne, in a speech at a memorial to IRB leader John Lavin in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, 1901: “Never rest until we have a free and independent nation. The freedom of Ireland will have to be wrought out by Irishmen, and Ireland.

“We here in Ireland may be too weak to rise against England. But an opportunity will be coming when you will have a chance of winning your freedom.

“Fellow countrymen, this is what I ask you to do – prepare! So the next opportunity shall not be wasted. While you’re waiting, there is plenty of national work for you to do – your language to revive and support, build up your nation and refuse assistance from England.

“Stop the enlistment of Irishmen in the English army or navy – a crying evil . The recruiting sergeant should be chased out of every town.”

Actress Brenda Fricker, 1990 Oscar award acceptance speech as Best Supporting Actress for her role in My Left Foot: “I will take this very proudly back to Ireland.