Waterford's Revolutionary Women 1916-1922

The family home was a hive of activity. Three of her brothers were active Republicans and she was called on when the occasion demanded. Her brother Rody was part of Lennon's West Waterford Active service Unit which was formed in 1920. On one occasion while cycling to Woodstown to collect some fruit she was stopped by the Black and Tans, who accused her of carrying information which she secreted away in the bicycle. Despite her protests, they took her bicycle from her and of course it was never returned. Mollie was good friends with Lena Keating whose two brothers Pat and Thomas were killed during 'The troubles'. She was also friends with George Lennon, Commander of the West Waterford flying squad, and on one occasion took him to Waterford in a pony and trap.

Mollie never spoke to her family about that period of her young life. This rare piece of information she related to her son Tom Gough. Tom recalls her telling him that the journey was a difficult one, and that there were craters on the road which had to be avoided. This indicates that they probably kept to secondary roads. Obviously, Lennon was a well know figure and would have been arrested on sight and Molly along with him. It was Mollie and her Mother that kept the family together during those troubled times at Ballydwan, looking after the household chores and taking care of family. She was born in 1903 and died in 1985.

Source: Gough Family, Co Waterford

Author: Chrissy O'Connor Knight & Eddie Cantwell