Dress suitably in short skirts and strong boots. - Countess Markievicz, October 1915

The formation of the Republic of Ireland as an independent country is a long story and though many cite the Easter Rising of 1916 as its birth, it was not until thirty three years later that the country was legally recognized as its own Republic. Indeed the struggle for independence began centuries before the Easter Rising, as the people of the island tried time and again to be free of colonial oppression.

One aspect of the Irish struggle for independence that rarely received enough mention in the history books is the role Irish women played in this struggle, and not just within the home but also in demonstrations, activism, unionization and, when all other avenues failed, radical militant action. The Easter Rising was carried forward on the brave actions of not just Ireland's men, but its women also.

One of the most notably famous women revolutionaries is of course the Countess Markievicz. A founding member of Fianna Éireann, Cumann na mBan and the Irish Citizen Army, she fought and lead the defense of Stephens Green in the south of the city, holding out for six days. As one of the leaders of the Rising she was sentenced to death by firing squad along with the rest, but had the sentence commuted because the British forces didn't want to execute a woman.

In the time leading up the the Rising, Countess Markievicz worked hard to mobilize her peers in wealthy society calling on women in particular to take appropriate steps to prepare for the inevitable days of conflict.

"Dress suitably in short skirts and strong boots. Leave your jewels and gold wands in the bank, and buy a revolver." - Countess Markievicz, October 1915

This t-shirt feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.

Exact colour & style may differ slightly from the product images.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Side-seamed

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