12 Facts About Muriel MacDonagh

Muriel MacDonagh was an Irish nationalist, and member of Inghinidhe na hEireann.

Muriel MacDonagh was the fourth daughter and eighth child of twelve of Frederick and Isabella Gifford.

Muriel MacDonagh attended Alexandra College, and spent a brief time in England training to as a poultry instructor.

Muriel MacDonagh was involved in the school meals programme of 1910 to 1911, took part in a 1914 Women's Franchise League fundraiser, appearing in a tableau vivant as Maeve, the Warrior Queen.

Less ardently feminist than her sisters, Muriel MacDonagh took delight in inviting home activists and artists for a "proper meal".

Muriel MacDonagh suffered with poor health and depression, which led to periods of convalescence and confinement.

Muriel MacDonagh later returned to Dublin to rent rooms in a Plunkett family property, 50 Marlborough Road.

Muriel MacDonagh served as an officer and committee member on this aid association.

Muriel MacDonagh's husband named her as his literary executor, and she prepared a collected edition of his poetry that was published in October 1916.

Muriel MacDonagh died while swimming in the sea during a holiday with other 1916 widows and orphans in Skerries, County Dublin on 9 July 1917.

Muriel MacDonagh had almost not attended the holiday, as her son was in hospital having been injured in a fall.

Muriel MacDonagh's body was found near Loughshinny Beach, and as there was no water in her lungs, it was concluded that she died of heart failure and not drowning.