Margaret Ward
@marg50.bsky.social
Feminist historian. Latest book ‘Rebel Women: Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim 1914-1924’ - contact publishers info@beyondthepalebooks.com.
Reposted by Margaret Ward
President Catherine Connolly has called for action on war, genocide and climate change, saying the normalisation of war “has never been and will never be acceptable” to Ireland, a nation with a long tradition of neutrality and peacekeeping.
#VMNews
#VMNews
November 11, 2025 at 1:46 PM
President Catherine Connolly has called for action on war, genocide and climate change, saying the normalisation of war “has never been and will never be acceptable” to Ireland, a nation with a long tradition of neutrality and peacekeeping.
#VMNews
#VMNews
That is a terrible example to set. A highly sectarian decision which exacerbates the current delicate situation. I despair of this place. Bring on a new Ireland, united and shared by us all.
DUP Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has turned down an invitation to attend Catherine Connolly’s inauguration as Irish president.
It will be the first time since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement that a serving first or deputy first minister has not attended.
jrnl.ie/6867988
It will be the first time since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement that a serving first or deputy first minister has not attended.
jrnl.ie/6867988
DUP's Deputy First Minister turns down invitation to attend Catherine Connolly's inauguration
NI’s first and deputy first ministers have attended all presidential inaugurations since the Good Friday Agreement.
jrnl.ie
November 7, 2025 at 5:22 PM
That is a terrible example to set. A highly sectarian decision which exacerbates the current delicate situation. I despair of this place. Bring on a new Ireland, united and shared by us all.
I’m enjoying Julie Andrew’s reading of Pride and Prejudice on @bbcsounds.bsky.social It is as fresh and challenging of women’s role in society as it ever was. The statue definitely captures the character of Jane Austen. Wonderful.
Love the new Jane Austen statue at Winchester. As commanding as a general and with a touch of defiance.
November 2, 2025 at 1:50 PM
I’m enjoying Julie Andrew’s reading of Pride and Prejudice on @bbcsounds.bsky.social It is as fresh and challenging of women’s role in society as it ever was. The statue definitely captures the character of Jane Austen. Wonderful.
Reposted by Margaret Ward
The Israeli UN rep called Francesca Albanese a witch & said her report on the ongoing genocide in Gaza was just ‘another page in her spell book’. Her brilliant response is that if she had spells (as a witch) she’d end their crimes. #endthegenocide
October 31, 2025 at 11:08 AM
The Israeli UN rep called Francesca Albanese a witch & said her report on the ongoing genocide in Gaza was just ‘another page in her spell book’. Her brilliant response is that if she had spells (as a witch) she’d end their crimes. #endthegenocide
Reposted by Margaret Ward
@mrjamesob.bsky.social you can speak to living victims of #Royal
sexual abuse. Look into #Kincora Boy's Home and Lord #Mountbatten. Open secret in Northern Ireland. Start here 🔽
sexual abuse. Look into #Kincora Boy's Home and Lord #Mountbatten. Open secret in Northern Ireland. Start here 🔽
October 31, 2025 at 10:14 AM
@mrjamesob.bsky.social you can speak to living victims of #Royal
sexual abuse. Look into #Kincora Boy's Home and Lord #Mountbatten. Open secret in Northern Ireland. Start here 🔽
sexual abuse. Look into #Kincora Boy's Home and Lord #Mountbatten. Open secret in Northern Ireland. Start here 🔽
Reposted by Margaret Ward
“For Ni Aolain, the response needs to ‘hold two things at the same time: we need to remember what was great about the radical peace that was achieved here in Northern Ireland – and we need to recall that a better peace is possible”.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/2025/10/16/r...
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/2025/10/16/r...
How can we build on the ‘radical peace’ made in Northern Ireland?
Among the UK and Ireland’s greatest successes of the last century has been the achievement of peace in Northern Ireland. Almost three decades on, Larry Attree asked five key experts how peace and s…
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk
October 31, 2025 at 11:51 AM
“For Ni Aolain, the response needs to ‘hold two things at the same time: we need to remember what was great about the radical peace that was achieved here in Northern Ireland – and we need to recall that a better peace is possible”.
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/2025/10/16/r...
rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/2025/10/16/r...
Maybe they should send this to Buck House - Mountbatten might be very apt for Andrew but maybe not the best of choices?
Anyone seeking more info on the Kincora scandal should check out Chris Moore's excellent book on the subject
www.amazon.co.uk/Kincora-Brit...
www.amazon.co.uk/Kincora-Brit...
Kincora: Britain's Shame: Mountbatten, MI5, the Belfast Boys’ Home Sex Abuse Scandal and the British Cover-Up
Buy Kincora: Britain's Shame: Mountbatten, MI5, the Belfast Boys’ Home Sex Abuse Scandal and the British Cover-Up by Moore, Chris (ISBN: 9781785375545) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
www.amazon.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Maybe they should send this to Buck House - Mountbatten might be very apt for Andrew but maybe not the best of choices?
Reposted by Margaret Ward
RIP - a great woman whose courageous challenge in the courts gave to Irish women the first steps towards control of their own reproductive bodies. Rest in power, Mrs McGee #speirgorm
Death announced of Mary ‘May’ McGee who won historic Irish Supreme Court contraception case
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
Death announced of Mary ‘May’ McGee who won historic Supreme Court contraception case
Landmark 1973 case found married couples had right to make private decisions on family planning
www.irishtimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:29 AM
RIP - a great woman whose courageous challenge in the courts gave to Irish women the first steps towards control of their own reproductive bodies. Rest in power, Mrs McGee #speirgorm
Such a dreadfully sad story. The lives of two women ruined by the actions of Figgis would be a more fitting tribute than the headline of ‘personal tragedies’.
October 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Such a dreadfully sad story. The lives of two women ruined by the actions of Figgis would be a more fitting tribute than the headline of ‘personal tragedies’.
This has become a great Christmas tradition. Order your cards here 👎
Because the Millie character is a homage to our grannies, aunties, mas, generations of Mná Ultach maybe no longer with us, it feels like it’s their support, strength, community reaching back to support women today who need it, through my aul pencils & @womensaidni.bsky.social 💚#UppaMillies
When I started this Christmas card project in 2022 never did I think it would raise £50,000 for @womensaidni.bsky.social in just a couple of years but with your support that’s what we’ve done to this point. Looking forward to seeing what we add to that this year.
Pre-orders are open… 1/
Pre-orders are open… 1/
October 27, 2025 at 8:20 AM
This has become a great Christmas tradition. Order your cards here 👎
Reposted by Margaret Ward
Soldier F found not guilty in Bloody Sunday murder trial.
So no convictions for the murder of 13 people during an anti-internment March in Derry in 1972. So much for the rule of law in the UK?
‘And in the dirt lay justice like an acorn in winter.’
The Road to Derry, Séamus Heaney, 1972.
So no convictions for the murder of 13 people during an anti-internment March in Derry in 1972. So much for the rule of law in the UK?
‘And in the dirt lay justice like an acorn in winter.’
The Road to Derry, Séamus Heaney, 1972.
Bloody Sunday: Soldier F found not guilty of all charges in Bloody Sunday murder trial
Soldier F - who cannot be named - was accused of murdering two people in Londonderry in 1972, plus five counts of attempted murder.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Soldier F found not guilty in Bloody Sunday murder trial.
So no convictions for the murder of 13 people during an anti-internment March in Derry in 1972. So much for the rule of law in the UK?
‘And in the dirt lay justice like an acorn in winter.’
The Road to Derry, Séamus Heaney, 1972.
So no convictions for the murder of 13 people during an anti-internment March in Derry in 1972. So much for the rule of law in the UK?
‘And in the dirt lay justice like an acorn in winter.’
The Road to Derry, Séamus Heaney, 1972.
Reposted by Margaret Ward
This closes tomorrow at 5pm - please give it one last share if you can!
🚨 Final chance to take part: Exploring the Role of Firearms in Violence Against Women & Girls
WRDA is exploring the role of firearms in domestic abuse & VAWG. Survey deadline 20 Oct. Your anonymous input could help protect women & children.
Find out more buff.ly/FfIcgoc
WRDA is exploring the role of firearms in domestic abuse & VAWG. Survey deadline 20 Oct. Your anonymous input could help protect women & children.
Find out more buff.ly/FfIcgoc
October 19, 2025 at 10:48 AM
This closes tomorrow at 5pm - please give it one last share if you can!
Never too late to do the right thing…
The British Library has reissued Oscar Wilde’s Reader Pass 130 years after it was revoked following his conviction for “gross indecency”.
In 1895, Wilde was convicted of “gross indecency” under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which criminalised same-sex relationships.
jrnl.ie/6846388
In 1895, Wilde was convicted of “gross indecency” under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which criminalised same-sex relationships.
jrnl.ie/6846388
British Library reissues Oscar Wilde’s pass 130 years after it was revoked over gay conviction
Wilde was convicted in England of “gross indecency” under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which criminalised same-sex relationships.
jrnl.ie
October 16, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Never too late to do the right thing…
Oh wow, I have something that connects me to Abraham Lincoln…other than anti-slavery of course!!
"I have a great respect for the semi-colon; it’s a useful little chap."
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
October 14, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Oh wow, I have something that connects me to Abraham Lincoln…other than anti-slavery of course!!
Manchan Magan also said, as a member of Irish revolutionary family, they all learned French and German at home. His grandfather had imported guns for IRA and language facility was a huge asset!! His brother Ruan said they spoke French around his hospital bed.
Excellent brief essay on the importance of multi-lingual skills to the Irish Revolution
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
How Irish revolutionaries used French language to secure support
The multilingual skills of the revolutionary generation helped them to amplify Ireland's cause on the world stage
www.rte.ie
October 14, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Manchan Magan also said, as a member of Irish revolutionary family, they all learned French and German at home. His grandfather had imported guns for IRA and language facility was a huge asset!! His brother Ruan said they spoke French around his hospital bed.
Reposted by Margaret Ward
All welcome. Please register with Eventbrite.
October 12, 2025 at 6:47 PM
All welcome. Please register with Eventbrite.
I listened to this after hearing his brother Ruan’s eulogy at the funeral, giving his side of rescuing Manchán from the cowshed in India so that they could make a film for TG4. But this is mad craic altogether. Fantastic! @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social
A great listen.
New podcast. Remembering the legendary and irreplaceable Manchán Magan who died last week. And revisiting our first chat where he told me his life story. ❤️
open.spotify.com/episode/1BxM...
open.spotify.com/episode/1BxM...
October 12, 2025 at 11:18 AM
I listened to this after hearing his brother Ruan’s eulogy at the funeral, giving his side of rescuing Manchán from the cowshed in India so that they could make a film for TG4. But this is mad craic altogether. Fantastic! @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social
So everything quiet in the other 6 counties of Ulster??
90,000 premises without power now at 4pm Friday. Given the scale of outages it is likely some will remain without power overnight tonight so please check in on elderly and vulnerable friends and family. Red warning is now active in Donegal.
October 3, 2025 at 4:57 PM
So everything quiet in the other 6 counties of Ulster??
As a (struggling) student of the Irish language I totally endorse this - we can’t understand our present without a knowledge of our language. Even though I’ll never be fluent I’m so pleased to begin to grasp the origins of our landscape & hugely indebted to Manchan Magan.
With somewhat strange timing upon the passing of Manchán Magan, I wrote this piece about the joys of learning and speaking Irish for the Guardian today, which is as ever inspired by Manchán’s work.
The Irish language is a joy not a burden: in what other tongue is a penis a wild carrot? | Una Mullally
Record numbers of pupils are seeking opt-outs from compulsory learning. This is misguided – Irish is a portal to a world of imagination, says journalist Una Mullally
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:57 PM
As a (struggling) student of the Irish language I totally endorse this - we can’t understand our present without a knowledge of our language. Even though I’ll never be fluent I’m so pleased to begin to grasp the origins of our landscape & hugely indebted to Manchan Magan.
I loved his programmes. Had the pleasure of meeting his formidable and wonderful grandmother Sighle Humphries, former vice-president of Cumann na mBan. He will be much missed. RIP.
Love this essay 'Samhradh' by Manchán Magan recorded last year for Culture Night in Áras an Uachtaráin by the wonderful
@sundaymiscellany.bsky.social team ✨️
www.rte.ie/culture/2024...
@sundaymiscellany.bsky.social team ✨️
www.rte.ie/culture/2024...
Sunday Miscellany: Samradh, by Manchán Magan
On Irish words for rain - and sunshine
www.rte.ie
October 3, 2025 at 9:24 AM
I loved his programmes. Had the pleasure of meeting his formidable and wonderful grandmother Sighle Humphries, former vice-president of Cumann na mBan. He will be much missed. RIP.
Reposted by Margaret Ward
Glad to see this review by @drmarymcauliffe.bsky.social on @marg50.bsky.social 's Rebel Women
We are delighted to have another book review up online this evening. Thanks to @drmarymcauliffe.bsky.social for taking the time to review it for us.
womenshistoryassociation.com/book-reviews...
womenshistoryassociation.com/book-reviews...
Margaret Ward Rebel Women. Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, 1914-1924, Beyond the Pale Books, Belfast, 2024
Frances ‘Frank’ Brady is one of the few members of Cumann na mBan who went on hunger strike during the War of Independence, and more unusually, for whom a photograph exists of her in bed, in jail, …
womenshistoryassociation.com
October 2, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Glad to see this review by @drmarymcauliffe.bsky.social on @marg50.bsky.social 's Rebel Women
Wow. Progress. At long last.
One small step for Hill Street: maybe a giant leap for Belfast? Good News at last.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Hill Street: Pedestrianisation to happen later this year
The infrastructure minister says an informal consultation with businesses
www.bbc.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Wow. Progress. At long last.