16 Facts About Brigid Foley

Brigid Foley was an Irish nationalist and republican who was one of the five women in Lewes prison as a result of the Easter Rising of 1916.

When she was 15 Brigid Foley was sent to school in Dublin where she joined the Keating Branch of the Gaelic League.

Brigid Foley's siblings were already members including Nora, Cait and Micheal.

Brigid Foley was involved in all the usual activities of the organisation from learning First Aid and carrying messages to carrying guns where needed.

Brigid Foley particularly worked as a go between from Sean Mac Diarmada to her brother who worked in Birmingham in munitions.

Brigid Foley was involved in the return of Liam Mellows from England where he had been deported.

Brigid Foley usually refused to know what was in the dispatches so she could better react when questioned by the British.

Brigid Foley was followed to church but evaded the detectives and managed to get her charge to McCurtain's brother.

Once the Easter Rising began and Brigid Foley had returned to the city she worked delivering messages from the General Post Office around the city to the various leaders and then was sent to create a first aid station.

Brigid Foley was arrested on the day Tom Clarke was executed and sent to Kilmainham gaol, after processing in Ship street barracks and then Richmond Barracks, with many other women.

Brigid Foley was sent to HM Prison Lewes with four other women.

One her return to Ireland Brigid Foley began to arrange care packages for the men still held in prison.

Brigid Foley was a member of the Phibsboro Committee of the anti-conscription organisation.

Brigid Foley was present at the opening of the Dail on 21 January 1919.

Brigid Foley continued to run the family business and provided it, her car, and the offices to the volunteers whenever needed.

Brigid Foley's business was repeatedly attacked during the Black and Tan period.