Waterford's Revolutionary Women 1916-1922

Annie was born in Canty, Cappagh, Co Waterford on 20th July 1888. The fourth daughter of Alice and Michael Moloney a Blacksmith. Following her initial education Annie continued her studies in Carrick on Suir and later became a National School Teacher. She taught at Villierstown and Whitechurch Schools. On the 4th August 1925, Annie married Patrick Wyley from Waterford. The couple had one son Rory and lived in Ballintaylor and later in Canty, Cappagh.

Annie joined the local Cumann na mBan branch in 1918 and was a member until 1923. As part of her service in the organisation, she attended parades, took first aid classes, raised funds, carried dispatches, revolvers and bombs. Annie's work also involved regular intelligence work, censoring mail, the hiding and storage of arms. In 1918 she was appointed Treasurer of the Brickey Cumann and held this rank until 1921. In 1921 she was appointed the role of Captain and remained in this role until the end of the Civil War in 1923.

Annie made an application for a pension under the 1934 and 1949 Military service pension acts, but the applications were rejected. Annie wrote a letter to An Taoiseach, Eamon De Valera requesting assistance in obtaining a pension for her service. In 1935 Annie's salary was £131 per annum, the family's only income as her husband Patrick was unemployed due to ill health due to injuries sustained while serving with the West Waterford Brigade. Annie continued to work as a National School teacher until her retirement in 1954. Annie Wyley died at her home in Canty, Cappagh on 26th April 1964 aged 76 years and her husabnd Paddy died in April 1971, they are both buried in Ballinameela graveyard. Annie's son Rory married in 1959 and is a well known photographer.

Source: Colette Wyley - Quill

Author: Chrissy O'Connor Knight & Eddie Cantwell