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Countess de Markievicz Why would an English woman married to a Polish count be called a woman of Ireland? Countess de Markievicz led an incredible life that earned her the title. Both she and the Irish people believe in their hearts that she truly belonged to Ireland. Born Constance Gore-Booth to titled British parents, the countess spent her early years between London and her father’s patronage land in Lisamore, County Sligo, Ireland. In her late teens, Constance was sent to Paris to finish her schooling, where she met, and later married, the Count de Markievicz. The young countess and her husband soon moved to Dublin. They became popular members of the Dublin society and were accepted in the British upper-class society of the day. Friends recommended that the count and countess vacation in the country, where the countess read and studied Sinn Fein. Countess de Markievicz, a.k.a. Constance Gore-Booth of a loyal British family, brought away from her vacation and studies a belief that the Irish people were repressed and should be free of British rule. Thus, the countess began her trial to assist with the Irish Rebellion, which was building in the country at the time. She recognized that for the rebellion to be a success, all Irish people must be involved. So, Countess de Markievicz organized a group for the youth of Ireland to participate in the Irish Rebellion. The Irish rebellion, or the Easter Uprising as it’s popularly known as today, began. During this time, there were many takeovers by Irish patriots besides the famed General Post Office in Dublin. The countess stationed herself with other rebels at St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin. For her participation in the Uprising, Constance Gore-Booth was jailed in a British prison. Countess de Markievicz was released from jail after serving one year of a life sentence, and her life continued to change. After her release, the countess converted to Roman Catholicism and staunchly defended her new faith. She was elected to the British House of Commons, the first woman to be elected to the British House of Commons and the first woman to be elected to Parliament. However, she refused to take her seat in protest to the British policy towards Ireland. Countess de Markievicz continued to work for a free Ireland. During the Irish Civil War, she sided with the Republicans (who wanted a 32 county, free Ireland), and she came to America to raise funds for this side of the war. After the Civil War, the countess was appointed Labor Secretary in the new Irish government headed by Eamon de Valera. Countess de Markievicz continued to work for a free Ireland and a strong Catholic faith. Constance Gore-Booth, the Countess de Markievicz, died in the charity ward of St. Patrick Dun’s Hospital, in Dublin. She chose to live her final days among the poor in her new country, with its just formed government. Countess de Markievicz is the namesake of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Franklin County Division #1. Chosen by the members, her name represents the spirit of a strong Catholic faith and the belief of a united and free Ireland that all members work towards. |
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