(1887–1943)
Grounds of Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast, Northern Ireland
I have a little more luck with Winfred. She stands behind a stall that allows me access to the back (stall name is anonymous to protect any health and safety violations).
Partially boxed off, it’s tricky to get a good look round Winifred, hence I capture her thus. Your shots will be better.
The statue was unveiled alongside Mary Ann McCracken, with both being commissioned by Belfast City Council.
Winifred left school as a qualified secretary and shorthand typist and became involved in the Gaelic League (promoting the Irish language), Cumann na mBan (The Irishwomen’s Council) and the suffragist movement. She joined the Irish Textile Workers’ Union where she was introduced to the republican, politician and socialist James Connolly and together they wrote the manifesto, ‘To the Linen Slaves of Belfast’ highlighting the long hours and dangerous conditions workers were subjected to. Through sharing Connolly’s political ideas and revolutionary plans she became his personal secretary and confidante including the lead up and throughout the 1916 Easter Uprising and was with him at the surrender.
The statue has her wearing her 1916 uniform as Adjutant in the Irish Citizen Army with a typewriter and a revolver.
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