Skinnider, Margaret, 1892-1971
Dates
- Existence: 1892-05-28 - 1971-10-10
Biographical note
Margaret Skinnider resigned from her work as mathematics teacher to join the Irish independence movement. At the end of 1915, she travelled to Dublin at the invitation of Constance Markievicz, joined the Citizen Army, and participated in the 1916 Easter Rising. She transported hidden ammunition to Liberty Hall, served as a dispatch rider for Michael Mallin at St. Stephen’s Green, and was a sniper with four men under her command tasked with setting fire to a building to cut off a retreating British force. During the rebellion she was shot three times and spent seven weeks in the hospital. As a member of Cumann na mBan Skinnider went to the United States for a propaganda tour in December 1916. When she returned, she trained volunteer recruits and played a role in the Irish War of Independence. From 1922-1923 she was imprisoned in Mountjoy Prison and the North Dublin Union. After her release, Skinnider taught in Dublin and, in 1949, became a member of the Irish National Teachers’ Organization, of which she became president in 1956. Skinnider died in October 1971.
Social Networks and Archival Context (SNAC) Identifier
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Loretta Clarke Murray collection of women in revolutionary Ireland
This collection includes papers and artifacts of women and organizations involved in the fight for Irish independence. A majority belonged to Máire Gill and relate to her work with Cumann na mBan, a women’s Irish republican organization, as well as her work with Cuala Press and the women’s sport of camogie. Additionally, there are materials relating to women’s suffrage. Of note are a banner made by Maud Gonne and a journal of Margaret Skinnider’s involvement in the 1916 Easter Rising.
Collection is open for research; a portion is available digitally.