Waterford's Revolutionary Women 1916-1922

2 Mitchell Street, Dungarvan

Mary Ormond of was involved in many nationalist activities during the revolutionary years, visiting prisoners, political rally's, providing a safe house and general care and support of volunteers in Waterford County. Mary's family remember her recalling her visit to the Barracks with Cait Fraher (later Mrs Whelan) to collect the body of Fitzgerald after the Burgery ambush. She recalled to her family in later days, how frightened she was on this occasion as the Black and Tans had been drinking and were abusive to the girls. The Officer in charge was able to maintain some calm and prevent further bloodshed, the group then proceeded to march up Dungarvan's Main Street.

During the war and one occasion of her brothers imprisonment, she was again admitted to the Barracks and found her brother Paddy in a bad state of health, sleeping in a damp cell with two inches of water. Mary and her mother immediately requested Colonel of the medical corps (Col. O'Neil, Shandon) to intervene and her brother was later removed to the hospital room.

During her most active periods Mary was involved in many political rallies and the family home was under constant surveillance. Paddy Ormond was released from prison and recaptured once again almost immediately putting great strain on the family. The family's home was on occasions used as a safe house during the war on one occasion sheltering Eamon De Valera.

Source: Ormond family, Dungarvan, Co Waterford

Author: Chrissy O'Connor Knight & Eddie Cantwell