MURIEL By Anne Curtis

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HISTORICAL NOTES FOR ACTORS The movement for Irish independence from Britain had steadily been growing in the nineteenth century. In 1914 the British Parliament passed, but did not implement the Irish Home Rule Bill, which devolved powers from Westminster to Dublin and Belfast. By then 24,000 rifles had already been landed in Ulster for use by the Ulster Volunteer Force. In response, the long-distance yachtsman Erskine Childers, ex House of Commons clerk and author and the Anglo Irishman Conor O'Brien ran guns into the South. Then came the First World War during which 49,000 Irishman gave their lives to fight for freedom from German occupation of another small country like their own, Belgium. In April 1916, Irish republicans launched the Easter Rising in Dublin against British rule and proclaimed an Irish Republic. Although it was crushed after a week of fighting, the Easter Rising and the British response led to greater popular support for Irish independence. Irish republicans took comfort from the words spoken by American president Woodrow Wilson in 1917. He declared that: ‘every nation which like our own wishes to live in its own life and determine its own institutions, should be assured of justice and fair dealings by other people of the world against force and selfish aggression’. In the post-war December 1918 General Election, the republican party Sinn Féin won a landslide victory in Ireland. On 21 January 1919 they formed a breakaway government (Dáil Éireann) and declared Irish independence. On the same day, two RIC officers were shot dead in the Soloheadbeg ambush by IRA volunteers acting on their own initiative. The conflict developed gradually. For much of 1919, IRA activity involved capturing weaponry and freeing republican prisoners, while the Dáil set about building a state. In September 1919, the British government outlawed the Dáil and Sinn Féin and the conflict intensified. The IRA began ambushing RIC and British Army patrols, attacking their barracks and forcing isolated barracks to be abandoned. The British government bolstered the RIC with recruits from Britain: the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries—who became notorious for ill-discipline and reprisal attacks on civilians, In 1919, the world's politicians gathered at the peace conference in Paris to decide the fate of the myriad of small nations. The British blocked the Irish wish to have their case discussed. Any vision of self-determination had been pushed aside. By 1920 the strength of the British army in Ireland had reached nearly 80,000 to these were added 7000 irregulars the Black and Tans to bolster the Royal Irish Constabulary whose officers were resigning in droves. Prior to all this, in 1892 Muriel Murphy was born to a wealthy Cork family. The youngest of six children, she was educated at home in their mansion Carrigmoore, Monenotte until she went to school in England, aged 15. On her return to Ireland she lived the life of a socialite. Her political ‘enlightenment’ seems to have begun during the First World War when she joined the Red Cross as a volunteer. She later stated that, she left the Red Cross when she was radicalised into believing that her charitable endeavours formed part of an Imperialist plot. She became increasingly interested in Republicanism and joined the women’s volunteer organisation (Cumann na mBan) in the early part of 1916. Muriel rose to prominence when her husband Terence MacSwiney, Lord Mayor of Cork fasted to death in Brixton Jail, London. He died on 25th October 1920 after 74 days refusing food. His body was taken to St George’s Cathedral, Southwark where 30,000 people filed past his coffin. The streets on the route of his funeral cortege from Southwark Cathedral to Euston where similarly packed. The play is set across various locations and has been designed to be staged with minimal props and scenery with actors playing several parts. The first scene is set in a counsellor’s consulting rooms in Southwark where Muriel has gone to tell her story. Muriel left Ireland in 1921 to live in Germany, she kept well out of the limelight until 1957 when, following an extensive fundraising campaign in Ireland to rebuild the bomb damaged cathedral using MacSwiney’s name a chapel was to be dedicated to him. Muriel ‘came out of the shadows’ to oppose this.

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Scene Character s Actor 1 Actor 2 Actor 3 Actor 4 Actor 5 Scene 1 Muriel Mor Listener Scene 2 Mary M. Edie Muriel Scene 3 Mary M. Muriel Scene 4 Teacher Schoolgirl Muriel Scene 5 Muriel Mossie Dennis Scene 6 Geraldine Muriel Scene 7 Muriel Sean Vendor Scene 8 Mary M. Geraldine Muriel Scene 9 Muriel Sean Scene 10 Mary M. Muriel Scene 11 Geraldine Muriel Scene 12 Muriel Terry Scene 13 Min Geraldine Muriel Scene 14 Mary M. Waitresss Muriel Terry Scene 15 Mary M. Muriel Thomas Scene 16 Mary M. Muriel Albert Fred Scene 17 Muriel Scene 18 Muriel Ted Terry Scene 19 Geraldine Muriel Porter Scene 20 Mary M. Muriel Muriel Scene 21 Min (NS) Terry Scene 22 Muriel Terry Scene 23 Muriel Mor Listener Scene 24 RIC Terry Scene 25 RIC Terry Scene 26 Geraldine Muriel Owen Scene 27 Muriel Scene 28 Muriel Terry Scene 29 Muriel RIC Terry Scene 30 Clerk Terry RIC Scene 31 Muriel Sean Dan M/ Radio Crowd/ Scene 32 Cataluna BBC Police NJR Scene 33 Maclean PPS George V Scene 34 Min Geraldine Muriel Scene 35 Muriel Mor Listener

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Scene 1- Southwark, London 1957. The inside of a room- two chairs set in the centre of the stage with a small chair beside each. Muriel MacSwiney, a woman in her sixties enters. She is greeted by a man.

Listener Please (Muriel comes in but turns to look at the plate on the door).

Muriel That plate on your door?

Listener Listener ‘ ’.

Muriel An unusual term. Is it the same as a psychiatrist?

Listener Is that who you wanted to see?

Muriel A few years ago, perhaps but not now.

Listener Please be aware that I do not give diagnoses nor prescribe medication.

Muriel Then I should tell you that, although my mind has been dark at times, it has never been disordered

Listener I’m sorry. Neither is easy.

Muriel Those who haven’t been through it, call it indulgent.

Listener Unfortunately. There is a deep lack of understanding about the mind.

Muriel Can I trust you?

Listener Of course.

Muriel You see, no one must ever know that I came.

Listener They won’t

Muriel Or that I even had these thoughts

Listener Do I detect a sense of shame?

Muriel Perhaps

Listener Or a worry that, to speak truthfully is in some way treacherous?

Muriel I was part of something historical. There was a party line.

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Listener As is evident in the press cuttings you sent me. (Holds up a brown envelope or press cuttings).

Muriel It is hard to recognise myself sometimes.

Listener I read that in later years, Ireland was not kind to you.

Muriel Please be clear. I came here to talk about the events in the autumn of 1920, not the kidnapping of my daughter.

Listener In that case we will restrict ourselves to the events in these cutting you sent me. Perhaps you would like to tell me what brought you here.

Muriel I worry that I failed Terry.

Listener You’re saying that you feel responsible for your husband’s death?

Muriel Or don’t get me wrong. Terry’s greatest wish was for a united Ireland and was prepared to …as we all know…It’s just that…well, time goes on. Let’s just say that there are things which bother me.

Listener May I ask – why you have sought help now?

Muriel There’s talk of them dedicating a chapel to him. Up the road in Southwark Cathedral. That’s where they brought him after the prison – before they took him home.

Listener I heard that, the rebuilding costs were covered largely by donations from Ireland. A phenomenal achievement.

Muriel Largely because of Terry

Listener Is that a note of disapproval?

He would have wanted any money raised in his name to help the poor, Muriel not pay for monuments. I worried that I won’t be able to stop it…just like…..all those years ago when I couldn’t…. you know, stop things.

Listener That’s an enormous burden for a person to have been carrying al these years. Please ... have a seat. Mrs Macswiney, I know very little abut you other than what I have read in these cuttings. May we start at the beginning?

Of course. I was born in in 1892 to a well-off family in Cork. I think Muriel that my first memory is of when my sister left us.

(Muriel and the Listener walk off stage carrying the chairs. Black)

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(Scene 2- Carrigmoore, Montenotte, Cork 1900. Edie Murphy’s bedroom. Mary Murphy, Muriel ’s mother walks on stage followed by Muriel aged 8) Mary M You’re a very bold little girl.

Muriel But mama I

Mary M Silence. I don’t want to hear your excuses. Why can’t you be like your sisters? Now stand in that corner and don’t move until I say so. Do you understand me?

Edie (Edie Murphy aged 18 enters. She is dressed in very plain clothes) Oh dear. In trouble again.

Muriel It is not fair. I was only trying to help

Mary M Unpacked all your clothes and put them back in the wardrobe. As if the servants don’t have enough to do.

Edie I am sure she didn’t mean any harm.

Muriel I wanted them to be ready for you when you come back on holiday. I’d lined them all up beautifully, so you could find exactly what you want. I put the day dresses at the front and the ball gowns at the back and your riding clothes in the other wardrobe.

Edie Muriel. You do understand what is happening?

Muriel You’ leaving us for a bit to go to Waterford to be a nun.

Edie That’s right but when I leave here tomorrow, I won’t be coming home.

Muriel Of course, you will. Don’t we always play together during the school holidays?

Mary M What is the matter with that child?

Edie Mother please. Come here. (Edie takes her hands and pulls her younger sister towards her). You need to understand that when I leave home tomorrow it will be for the last time. I won’t be coming back.

Muriel No (Stamps her foot)

Edie I am afraid it’s true

Muriel (Sounds shock sad, tearful) You can’t go and leave me on my own. The only fun I have is when your here. (She begins to cry)

Edie Norbert will be back soon.

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Muriel He won’t play with me because I’m a girl and mother won’t let him take me riding because he’s a boy. Don’t go please. You’re the only friend I have.

Edie My new home will be with the Sisters of Charity. You can come and visit me.

Muriel Don’t you like us?

Edie Of course, I do. But this isn’t about me not loving you. It’s about me loving God and spending my life doing what He wants me to do.

Muriel Well I don’t like God.

Edie You mustn’t say that.

Muriel Then he should stop taking the people I love away from me.

Edie In a few years you will be going to school, then in a flash of an eye you will be a grown woman with your own life to lead. But now it is my time.

Muriel Bridie should have put your clothes in a case.

Edie Bridie knows that a nun doesn’t need fine clothes, but I know a pretty young lady who will fit them perfectly in a few years.

Muriel I want you not your clothes.

Edie Listen. I love you all dearly. But the life that we lead here at Carrigmoore is not for me. I am not comfortable in such a grand house with fine clothes and servants, when nearby people live in poverty with not even one set of decent clothing. Dedicating my life to God will allow me to help them. It is important work. (Muriel turns to leave) Where are you going?

Muriel To find Dada and ask him to give some of our money to the poor people. Then you won’t have to leave.

Edie Father already gives a lot of money away. Ireland needs something more radical than that.

Muriel What does ‘radishical’ mean?

Edie That things need to change.

Muriel When I grow up, I shall change things so you can come back

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Edie Good girl. But right now, we women must accept that our place is not to do that. We must live with the laws that men make and by our actions try to show them where they are wrong.

Edie (Takes Muriel’s hands). Now promise me that you will be brave when I leave tomorrow. No tears no matter how sad you feel. I want to see your happy smiling face when I look out of the carriage.

Muriel I promise.

Edie And promise me that you will come and visit me in Tramore just as soon as it is allowed. (Beat) Yes. Good girl. Now shall we go and ask Thomas to saddle the horses for us so we can have one last ride together. (They exit holding hands) (Black)

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(Scene 3- Carrigmoore 1902. Muriel aged 10 runs on then off stage followed by another girl. Mary Murphy walks on stage)

Mary M Muriel . Muriel . Where is that child? (Muriel enters looking dishevelled) Look at the state of you What have you been doing?

Muriel . Playing hide and seek with Bridie.

Mary M How many times have I told you not to play with the servants’ children?

Muriel . I could make other friends if you’d let me go to school

Mary M No

Muriel . Why?

Mary M I’ve told you. Now run along to your lessons.

Muriel . But I want to go to school now, not wait till I am fifteen.

Mary M You have a governess, who I hope will help you to get rid of that Cork accent you’re fast developing.

Muriel . Bridie goes to school with other girls.

Mary M Your father is not a coachman and I am not a cook. Now hurry along to the schoolroom.

Muriel . Norbert didn’t have to wait until he was fifteen.

Mary M Norbert is a boy. He needs a proper education so he can help run the Distillery.

Muriel . Maybe I would like to work in the business.

Mary M What fanciful ideas you have. You know full well my darling what the future holds for a girl of your class.

Muriel . I’m not going to spend my life telling cook what to serve for lunch. And servants what flowers to put in each room.

Mary M One day you will realise that there can be no greater calling for a woman than to support to a fine man and bear his children. You will live in great comfort

Muriel . What if no man wants me? What will happen to me then?

Mary M My dear child. I do not think that someone with your beauty, not to mention the substantial dowry is likely to be short of suitors. We will find a kind man like your father, who will treat you well. I have been very happy

Muriel . Mother. Why not spend my dowry money on my education instead? I could go to St Angela’s in Cork like Geraldine.

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Mary M How often do I have to spell it out? The schools in Cork are not suitable for girls of your class. We need to ensure that you mix with the right people.

Muriel . But supposing I like mixing with the wrong people.

Mary M Any more complaining, and I shall tell Lavinia to give you an hour’s, no two hours extra tuition. Schoolroom now. (BLACK)

(Scene 4- The Convent of the Holy Child Jesus, St Leonards on Sea, Sussex.1909 Muriel and another girl walk on stage with books on their heads. It is a deportment lesson. Muriel is 17.)

Teacher That’s it. Shoulders back, heads straight. And smooth. And glide. And smooth. And glide. Very good. (Bell rings. The teacher claps her hands). That will be all for today. (Teacher exits leaving Muriel and other girl on stage)

Muriel My parents must be mad paying for all this nonsense.

Schoolgirl She just wants you to make heads turn as you glide into the ballroom like a graceful swan in your best evening gown.

Muriel (Imitating a man with a posh English accent) Good evening my dear. I say, could I possibly have this dance? (Muriel takes up a dance position and begins waltzing with herself) May I say that you glide superbly. Goodness me what a glide - and another. I say, I do like a girl who can glide. A man cannot seek more in a wife than the ability to glide. And glide, and smooth. And glide, and smooth. (Returns to her own accent). Aagh. Aagh. There has to be more to life than all this. (Takes a vase full of flowers from the table holds it in a dance position)

Schoolgirl Stop. Madame will go mad. It took us ages to get those right.

Muriel Glide. Glide. Glide. (Muriel continues dancing dropping the roses while the schoolgirl follows her picking up the flowers)

Schoolgirl (Takes the vase from Muriel). My crazy friend. Give me a house and servants to run any day. My husband can earn the money and I will concentrate on the children, the dinner parties and spending his money. (Bell rings). Come long. It is elocution classes next and you don’t want to be late for that.

Muriel Don’t I? (Moves to the front of the stage and speaks in a perfect English accent) How now Brown Cow? How now Brown Cow? (Changes to a ‘hick Irish accent) Jaysus you don’t have to ask me twice girleen. Wasn’t I after hearing you the first time? Aagh. (BLACK)

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(Scene 5- 1914. South Infirmary Hospital, Cork. There are two injured soldiers Mossie and Dennis both bandaged. One is standing holding a newspaper, the other is seated. Muriel in Red Cross uniform enters she is holding a bandage. She walks up to the injured soldier). Muriel Excuse me. Mossie Y’alright. Muriel I’m sorry. Mossie I said y’alright. Muriel I was asked to change your/ Mossie Leave me be. Muriel I don’t think you heard me? I said your bandages need changing. Mossie I’ll let you know when the photographer arrives. Muriel ? Dennis ‘The society girl’s prize’- Isn’t that what your after it girleen? A photo in the paper or for the mantelpiece. Mossie Next to the brother. Tell everyone tha’ yer ‘doing yer bit’ Muriel How do you know about Norbert? Mossie Officer? Muriel South Irish Horse. Mossie Send in the cavalry. Mossie ‘High up and outta trouble’. Muriel Look, I need to/ Mossie Go home to your servants lady and leave me be. Muriel Look I don’t know anything about battles and shooting. I’m just here to help you get better. And quite frankly I don’t understand why you’re being so beastly. Mossie Me injuries are bad enough wi’out you stepping in. Dennis He’s worried that ye didn’t have time for First Aid classes at your posh school. In between the ‘speaking properly’ and ‘flower arranging’..

Muriel If you really want to know, I hated my school. And in case you haven’t noticed I have come here to help.

Mossie Yes Ma’am (He salutes her). Should we put you on the battlefield? The Bosch ‘ud be fierce terrified. Dennis She’s a rare one alright. Muriel Not me – but you. I dare not think of the unspeakable horrors that would befall the French and Belgian women if there weren’t courageous men like you out there to defend their honour and protect their poor children. Mr

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Redmond was right “This war is undertaken in the defence of the highest principles of religion and morality and right.” Isn’t that what he told us all? Dennis He did indeed Missus. Muriel You must both feel very proud to have taken part in battles that have gone so well.

Mossie ‘This’ is ‘gone well’? (Nods in direction of other injured soldiers) Muriel That’s what the generals in charge say. Mossie Same fellas who said that it would be over by Christmas last? Muriel Very disappointing that we weren’t victorious. But still, keep at it and in a couple of months, I am sure that we will all be out in the streets with our banners welcoming you heroes’ home. Mossie I’ll pass that on to the lads. Optimism is in short supply on the Front. Dennis Arra leave her be. Shur she’s doing her best Mossie Sent out to the battlefield wi’out proper helmets. Back here wi’ nurses who haven’t a bloody clue. Pass on me thanks to yer King George. Dennis Don’t mind him. Mossie Hunger in our own fields or death in a foreign one. You can say all the nice things you want but ‘tis only when the supply of volunteers like us dries up, that the Brits will open their ears. Muriel Goodness- that won’t happen will it? Mossie Worried now aren’t ye? Dennis Don’t frighten the girl. Muriel Actually I’m not. Norbert keep us well informed of what is going on and I think that we’ll do very well. Mossie Jaysus. Dennis, aren’t we a fine pair of eejits? All that time looking out of the trenches and where were looking in the wrong direction. . Dennis If your brother had let us on his horse, we could have spotted the victories. Muriel Norbert writes what he sees. Mossie So, you’ll know about the blood red fields then. And how the lads screamed as they were blasted to pieces, seconds after the whistle to go over the top was blown? Did he describe their moans as they lay in the mud crying out? Heaven afore them and their missing leg yards in front of them. Dennis That’s a bit strong. Leave the girl. Mossie Why? Tis lucky for her that war’s real story is to too tough for the ink on the printing presses. Saves her family’s stomachs from turning over in the morning as they eat their bacon and eggs. Muriel My family have strong stomachs- as I say ‘we support the war’.

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Mossie So, you keep saying. Dennis Where are you from? Muriel Cork, same as you - Montenotte actually. Mossie Shur you’d need a fierce pair of specs wouldn’t ye, to spot the difference between the mansions of Montenotte and the cottages of Fermoy? Dennis Enough Moss. Muriel It’s okay. You volunteered to fight. So once again I say ‘bravo’ to you. Mossie And I say ‘tis a fool I was’. Too busy listening to the recruiting sergeant in the tent, talking of the adventure I’d have and the money I’d be able to send home. When all the time I should have been looking at the map on the wall behind him. Asking meself one question: “Why is so much of the world get coloured pink?” Muriel Yes, I suppose that it is rather a silly colour for an Empire Dennis ‘Twas the amount, not the colour that concerned him. Muriel And what colour would you change it to? Mossie What if each country chose their own? Muriel Splendid! But. Oh dear, how would we know who ruled whom? Mossie How about if each country ruled themselves? Muriel Talk like that gives my Mother a heart attack Dennis For the Union and the Empire, is she Missus? Muriel And Mr Carson. Dennis What about you miss? Muriel Politics fly past me. I was educated to be kept me out of those discussions. Mother said they were best left to the men. Mossie And you’d concur, would you? Muriel I need to change your bandages. Dennis Supposing you’d a son? Muriel I haven’t. Dennis But if you had. Would you want this for him? Dennis See miss war is full of questions. Muriel I am guided by Mr Asquith. Mossie Follow my leader is it? Muriel Who else? Dennis What if we all followed our consciences?

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Muriel Gosh. I don’t think your commanding officer would want to hear that. Dennis Then tis a good job that he didn’t hear what a young fella told Moss in the dugout. Mossie Set me thinking, miss. To this fella, all wars were about class. Said that neither the King nor the Kaiser could raise an army if it weren’t for the thousands of lads like us, ready to swop lives of poverty and boredom for the promise of adventure. And that didn’t change which trenches you shot from. And as I listened to the gunfire in the distance, I thought to meself. How many innocent young fellas had been sent away to get killed and injured so that world map should be coloured ‘pink’. Because, make no mistake about it for ‘twas from their blood that the British Empire grew. But then missus, if you wouldn’t mind your son being sacrificed in such a cause, then who am I to raise an argument against you? You’re as much a tool of the British Empire as I am. Muriel I don’t know what you mean but as you won’t let me change your bandages, I’ll ask Matron to give me something else to do. (Muriel walks away). (BLACK)

Scene 6- a tearoom in Cork. Geraldine a young woman in her 20s is sitting down reading a copy of Volunteers. Muriel walks in looking cross. Geraldine Oh dear. Don’t tell me - all the handsome young doctors ignored you.

Muriel Is there something wrong with me?

Geraldine No, Why?

Muriel You would tell me if there was.

Geraldine Is something amiss?

Muriel The soldiers. They laughed at me.

Geraldine Don’t worry. It is just that they’ve seen terrible things- watched their friends die. They probably didn’t appreciate words of comfort from the daughter of a Merchant Princes.

Muriel But I was there to help.

Geraldine I know, Still, you can’t blame them for being a bit suspicious of a young woman who sounds….

Muriel I’m as Irish as you are.

Geraldine Then be Irish. Understand that things are changing.

Muriel ?

Geraldine Not everyone agrees with John Redmond taking the Empire’s line.

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Muriel I didn’t mention him. I just said that I followed the Prime Minister.

Geraldine Oh dear. Asquith told those lads that they were fighting for a better future for themselves and their families. It didn’t take long on the battlefield for them to realise that all they were doing was preserving the British Empire,

Muriel Why am I an ‘imperialist tool’? (Geraldine laughs). It’s not funny. Especially when you don’t know what it means.

Geraldine Why not come to a Gaelic League meeting with me? They organise lots of things on Irish culture: talks, theatre, music. That’ll complete your education. Tell your mother that you are going to one of Mrs Fleischmann’s musical soirees.

Muriel What if she finds out?

Geraldine You’re twenty two. Isn’t it time you made up your own mind about things?.

Muriel Okay. I’ll come.

Geraldine Good girl. Good God is that the time? Come on we’ll be late for piano class and then we will be in trouble. (Black)

Scene 7- An alleyway leading off Grand Parade, Cork Spring 1915. Muriel is buying papers from the radical press. She is just about to pick the papers up and put them in bag when a Sean a volunteer comes from behind and her puts his hand on them to prevent her picking them up. Muriel calls out in surprise) Vendor What the hell?

Sean So, it’s selling our papers to the enemy now, is it?

Vendor Leave the lady be Sean

Muriel If I could just (The man blocks her path) I beg your pardon. Look here, would please get out of my way.

Sean The ruling class. Think you can tell an Irishman not to stand on his own pavement now, do you?

Muriel I’m Cork born and bred- the same as you. (There is a sort of ‘dance’ as Muriel tries to get pass and Sean stands in front of her)

Sean I know your kind of Irish. Live in fancy houses. Who does your da do favours for?

Vendor Let her pass.

Muriel (Takes the papers). Look here. Those are mine. I paid for them. And if you must know, my father’s dead.

Sean Then who are these for?

Vendor Stop it Sean. D’you hear me?

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Sean You know which family she comes from.

Vendor I’ll remind you of what you just said next time I see you with a pint of Murphy’s stout.

Sean And your happy for our papers to be ‘after dinner reading’ for the G men at the mansion?

Vendor Will you cop yourself on? Do you think that the authorities don’t know what’s in these?

Sean They weren’t written for her kind.

Vendor As far as I’m aware you don’t need a permit to buy our papers. This young lady is very welcome to buy what she likes.

Sean You ever asked yourself why?

Vendor If you gave me a hand instead of standing on the corner shooting your mouth off, then you would know that Miss Murphy is not the only young person of her class to be interested in the new ideas for Ireland.

Muriel I should say so. I think that every country should have its own culture, speak its own language. (Pause) What is wrong with that?

Sean Jesus another Gaelic Leaguer. Thinks a few lines of Irish poetry will stop our lads being killed in foreign wars?

Muriel I hate war as much as you do.

Sean But you’re happy enough to be part of its machine?

Vendor Stop tormenting her.

Muriel I have nothing to do with guns.

Sean Don’t you?

Muriel I bandage wounds, make tea. Offer comfort to the soldiers.

Sean Get Irish lads fit and ready to face the bullets for the Empire again.

Muriel If you really want to know. I also visit their families of those who didn’t pull through. Make sure that they know how proud we all are of their dead sons.

Sean And d’you till their fields for them whilst you’re there?

Muriel Why on earth would I do that?

Sean So dead soldiers don’t have widows and childer? Fathers, who become old men in need of help to plough their fields. (Pause)Ye haven’t a clue. Tell you what missus. Have this paper and that paper. Take them all, do you hear

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me? Read them from cover to cover. Until then keep yourself and your West Brit attitudes – away from our lads. Do you hear me now? (Muriel leaves)

Vendor What is it with you? Shur the girl was only trying to help

Sean If Ireland is to take on the English, then we need men who can fight not women who can spout fuckin’ poetry. (Black)

(Scene 8- Carrigmoore- Montenotte. 1915- Mid-afternoon- The sound of a piano playing can be heard off stage. A few seconds after it stops Muriel and Geraldine enter.)

Geraldine Well Mrs Fleischmann’s star pupil. I can see your name on the list for the next recital.

Muriel Not me. You’re the one who’s good enough to be a concert pianist.

Geraldine Not true. Hey what’s wrong?

Muriel I’m okay.

Geraldine Music usually lifts your spirits.

Muriel I think I ought to stop volunteering at the hospital.

Geraldine But you enjoy it.

Muriel Stop pretending that you approve.

Geraldine I have been known to compromise to keep a friend happy.

Muriel I was brought up to order servants around and yet I rather like helping others.

Geraldine That’s because you are a Murphy girleen.

Muriel I get so angry each time a young soldier arrives badly wounded. I keep thinking ‘what for?’. Some days, when there are lots of casualties, I want to get Charles to drive me round the recruiting tents and tell every young man with ideas of adventure and glory to think again. By the way I really enjoyed that Gaelic League meeting last night.

Geraldine Good

Muriel I felt Irish for once. What I will do if I give volunteering? I can’t go back to days filled by bridge parties and afternoon teas.

Geraldine Cumann na mBan are going to need people with first aid skills.

Muriel You crazy? My mother would put me out on the street.

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Geraldine There’s talk that the Irish volunteers should be armed now that Carson’s Ulster Volunteers have their own stash of weapons.

Muriel Haven’t we enough to do fighting the Bosch without taking on the Ulstermen as well?

Geraldine How else can we stop them from blocking every Home Rule Bill?. (Muriel nudges Geraldine. Mary M enters).

Mary M Not at the infirmary Muriel? Why Geraldine I didn’t expect to see you here. Your mother mentioned that you had family down from Dublin this week.

Geraldine Oh, we do Mrs Murphy. But, as you know, my mother is a superb hostess. I assure you that my aunt and cousins are in excellent hands.

Muriel We have been practising for the recital.

Mary M I’ll call Charles– the carriage is free; he can take you home.

Muriel But mother – Bridie has yet to serve tea,

Mary M The O’Sullivans have guests. It would be most impolite of us to keep Geraldine when her mother needs her. I am sure that she will call again. (Geraldine gets up)

Geraldine Of course – good day. Mrs Murphy. Muriel. (She exits)

Muriel Mother!

Mary M I’m not sure that Geraldine is a suitable companion.

Muriel But you’ve been friends with the O’Sullivans for years.

Mary M Times are changing.

Muriel What are you talking about?

Mary M I’m not completely naïve.

Muriel I don’t understand.

Mary M Don’t think, that I don’t know what happens at those recitals.

Muriel What?

Mary M Poems, songs and plays in Irish.

Muriel And is there something wrong with that?

Mary M It is not our culture.

Muriel I beg your pardon.

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Mary M Troublemakers trying to resurrect something that died out years ago. Isn’t it time that you got changed into your Red Cross uniform?

Muriel I’m not going.

Mary M Oh yes you are. It is your duty.

Muriel I’m through with nursing soldiers back to health so they can be sent to the front to get shot at again.

Mary M Whilst the Empire is under threat, we will all pull together. You will nurse the wounded here in Cork whilst Norbert, should he get injured, will be nursed by a girl, just like you in Normandy.

Muriel Please take my place mother if you feel that strongly.

Mary M Don’t be ridiculous. I heard that you brought great comfort to the soldiers.

Muriel Comfort? I was nothing more than a propaganda tool for their war photos.

Mary M Who is feeding you this nonsense?

Muriel Nonsense is it? Then why there are so many photos of girls like me in the papers?

Mary M Because it is good to see everyone, from all walks of society doing their bit.

Muriel No. It is to stop people reading about the poor mutilated soldiers, who left their farms as strong young men and returned fit for nothing.

Mary M As happens in war.

Muriel A war Ireland has no part in.

Mary M Then I hope that you have a plan, to stop the Bosch sailing up the River Lee.

Muriel The Bosch would have no quarrel with us if we weren’t part of the Empire.

Mary M I’m sure that King Albert of Belgium would take comfort in that.

Muriel Arthur Griffith’s makes a lot of sense. The British Parliament does not serve our interests well. Ireland deserves better.

Mary M Do not mention that man or his revolting ideas in this house!

Muriel Why? Am I not entitled to my own views?

Mary M You’ve always been far too easily influenced.

Muriel

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Who by? You’ve done your level best to keep me locked up here so I could never meet anyone with differing views. The truth is that you have always wanted to control everything about me. You can’t bear me having friends. You can’t bear it if I hold my own views. Truth to tell Mother is that you can’t bear it that your little girl has grown up. (Muriel goes to exits)

Mary M Where do you think you’re going?

Muriel I’m 22 years old Mother. I think that is my business. Please tell Cook that I shan’t require supper. (Exit)

Scene 9 - Public meeting on Grand Parade. Muriel and Sean are standing at the back of the hall listening to Terry speaking. Sean is holding newspapers, whilst Muriel has leaflets. has the pose of someone listening to a speech. At the sound effect of clapping Muriel joins in enthusiastically, shouting Bravo. Sean Great wasn’t it?

Muriel Isn’t he marvellous?

Sean Arra Terry’s fierce sound alright. A lad who understands what’s Ireland cause.

Muriel I’d never heard of the Manchester Martyrs. What happened to them was so unjust.

Sean As it has been to so many. Have you been reading those books I gave you?

Muriel And the newspapers. Ask me a question about anything.

Sean No time, we need to sell a few papers before this crowd head off. (BLACK)

(Scene 10- Drawing Room, Carrigmoore, Montenotte. November 1915. Muriel interrupts her mother Mary M ripping up newspapers) Muriel How dare you!

Mary M Then don’t leave them on the hall table where everyone can see them. “Workers”, “Nationality”, “Volunteers”. Republican papers. Why can’t you read the ‘Times of London’ like the rest of us?

Muriel Aren’t you satisfied that I am unable to speak my own language?

Mary M What are you talking about now?

Muriel Mother, as I keep trying to explain, you have been brainwashed into believing that it is acceptable for an oppressor, not only to destroy your Irish identity but that of your daughter. The wind of change is blowing through our land. We will rise up and become who we were meant to be.

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Mary M If you’d stop quoting that Arthur Griffith for a second, then you would know that, the oppressor, if you must call the British that, taught us a language that allowed us to converse with people other than ourselves. How do you think your father would have traded if he didn’t speak the language of the Empire?

Muriel Sooner or later mother you will have to accept that people of my age no longer think like you. They have no wish to be part of the Empire. Ireland will be free.

Mary M A small island floating around on its own. How do you think we will survive?

Muriel You think that the Empire supports our business? What do you call the increased duty levied on our stout? The reduced tariffs for export to England. All because of their stupid Welsh Prime minister and his views on sobriety.

Mary M Since when you have been interested in what happens at the brewery?

Muriel Since I started to read the papers that I want to, instead of the ones that you would like me to read. How do you think I found out about what the British are doing to the brewing business?

Mary M More Geraldine O’Sullivan.

Muriel Hard luck Mother, your attempts at leaving me uneducated and fit for nothing forgot that (a) I am in possession of a brain and (b) that the shops in Cork are full of books and magazines that I have the money to buy. You won’t be able to stop the march of progress. The day will come when, all Irish people will share in the legacy of their own heritage and not that of the Empire.

Mary M And we all will live in poverty.

Muriel I dream of an Ireland when all our literature and plays will be in Irish. When the children in our school will be taught in Irish. When the sound of people conversing in their mother tongue can be heard in the streets.

Mary M You better start learning it then. I’ll tell Bridie to serve lunch in twenty minutes. (Mary M exits) (BLACK)

(Scene 11- Fleischmann home December 1915. The sound of a piano playing can be heard in the background. Muriel and Geraldine enter holding a glass of sherry. (SFX- The sound of people in the background chatting)

Geraldine Why Muriel Frances Murphy. I do declare – you are blushing

Muriel It is a little warm in here- don’t you think?

Geraldine If you say so

Muriel Mrs Fleischmann ever keen to ensure that her guests do not catch a winter chill

Geraldine I swear that Mrs Fleischmann could have every window and door in the house open and your cheeks would still be red.

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Muriel I don’t know what you are talking about.

Geraldine Now I understand why we must rendezvous, outside a certain bookshop on the Grand Parade, before lunch.

Muriel The Missus Wallace stock the papers I wish to read.

Geraldine And by a strange coincidence the same papers that a certain Mr Terence MacSwiney likes to read.

Muriel I don’t know what you are talking about.

Geraldine The man you couldn’t take your eyes off. That’s his name- as if you didn’t know

Muriel I was simple listening to his poetry.

Geraldine Perhaps I should tell him of the effect that his verses were having on your cheeks.

Muriel Then you would be being very unkind to us both.

Geraldine You’re right. Your mother wouldn’t like him.

Muriel My mother’s eleventh commandment. “Thou shalt neither like nor approve of anything that your youngest daughter thinks or does”.

Geraldine She only wants to protect you.

Muriel What misfortune, she will never be able to admire a man who can create such beauty with words.

Geraldine Not to mention those sparking blue eyes. He writes plays too.

Muriel You seem to know a lot about him.

Geraldine I know that he is a commandant in the IRA, which is why I wouldn’t worry too much about your mother.

Muriel I shall be free of my mother when I am twenty-five.

Geraldine Irrelevant my dear.

Muriel What do you mean?

Geraldine It is he, not your mother who would prevent such a relationship. He has resolved to remain a bachelor for the rest of his days.

Muriel I have been told that men say this when they have not found a suitable match, or worst still have been hurt in love.

Geraldine Mr MacSwiney is not protecting his own heart, rather that of his intended.

Muriel Why? Are they very poor?

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Geraldine Nothing to do with money my sweet. More to do with the danger that being his wife could involve. I am told that he will not approach a woman because a relationship with him would be too great a sacrifice.

Muriel So how does he think wives of men in uniform cope?

Geraldine Overcoming obstacles already- you must like him.

Muriel Just thinking of his happiness. It is not good for a man to be alone. Did my piano playing sound alright?

Geraldine You mean, did Terence like my piano playing? You shouldn’t be frightened of asking him. I am told that he is unfailingly polite.

Muriel A man about whom, there is much to admire then. (SFX- Sound of muted applause). Come on- we’ll be late and then we would have cause to blush. (Black)

(Scene 12- Spotlight on either side of the stage. Cork 1916. Terry stands spot lit on the left-hand side of the stage) Terry I dreaded asking thee to take my hand. Lest on a path regretted it should lead. And lest thy heart, in after years should bleed. If then, ‘mid scenes unwelcome thou shouldst stand, (Muriel walks on and stands on the right-hand side. Terry begins to talk in a much lower voice so that Muriel can be heard over him) And thou shouldst think: ‘It is a harsh demand This path makes on my Labour “. Yea indeed I feared this. I knew what the path might lead. But more than this I did not understand

Muriel (Begins to talk at the end of Terry’s fourth line) I did not know that I had won a place. In thy true heart, and that I was to thee The counterpart of all I hold dear. I did not know love too could efface All questionings as love had done to me. But oh, my joy! Soon thou didst still make it clear. (Black)

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(Scene 13- Volunteers Hall- Cork February 1916. Min MacSwiney is standing centre stage. Enter Geraldine and Muriel both in uniform of Cumann na mBan) Geraldine I’d like to introduce you to our new recruit. Min MacSwiney, Muriel Murphy.

Min If you’ll excuse me (Min politely manoeuvres Geraldine to the front of the stage. Muriel remains where she is). You didn’t tell me that it was her.

Geraldine Should I have?

Min People from those families are far too dangerous.

Geraldine What do you mean ‘those families’? May I remind you that the organisation in Dublin wouldn’t have got off the ground, without people from ‘those so-called families’.

Min Which is one reason why it is destined for failure. This is Cork. We do things differently.

Geraldine And Muriel wants to help. She’s genuine - talk to Sean if you don’t believe me.

Min She’s been surrounded by maids all her life. What help can she be?

Geraldine It didn’t stop her dressing wounds and rolling bandages in the South Infirmary.

Min I heard she didn’t last long.

Geraldine Sean convinced her nursing soldiers was working for the British. She’s been helping with the papers and meetings ever since.

Min You’re sure?

Geraldine She’s changed her views. Talk to her. You’ll find out how committed she is.

Min Look, she wouldn’t be the first one with an eye for Terry. We can’t have people here who are just looking for a husband.

Geraldine She’s knows Terry’s views,

Min Girls like that are used to getting their own way. We can’t have anything throwing him off course.

Geraldine I’ll vouch for her. Okay?

Min Well, I suppose that she’ll be useful when it comes to raising funds. (Pause). Miss Murphy. Please. I need you to fill in some forms (Muriel steps forward). (BLACK).

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(Scene 14- The Clarence Hotel Dublin. Muriel and her mother are sitting drinking tea. Terry walks on stage and then turns to go, he turns when he hears Muriel calling him).

Muriel Mr MacSwiney

Terence Miss Murphy, (Beat) I wasn’t aware that you would have a companion.

Muriel May I introduce my mother who insisted on accompanying me? Mary Murphy- Terence MacSwiney.

Terence Delighted. May I ask what brings you here?

Mary We have been at the National Art Gallery.

Terence Followed by afternoon tea. A very civilised way to spend an afternoon in Dublin.

Muriel Mother decided to come at the last moment.

Terence Muriel had arranged for the carriage to take her to the station, so I thought ‘why not’?

Muriel I got into the carriage and there she was.

Terence I thought that I would surprise her. It’s not much fun doing these things on your own, wouldn’t you say Mr MacSwiney.

Terence Better that ladies travel in twos I suppose.

Mary My sentiments exactly. Muriel had been hoping to see the Turner watercolours at the National Gallery but unfortunately, they are only available to view in January. So we had to make do with the permanent exhibition.

Muriel Two months too late. My fault for not paying attention to the catalogue.

Mary My daughter finds it thrilling to go through life with only the most cursory understanding of what she is doing. (Beat) Do you paint Mr MacSwiney?

Terence Only with words- a little poetry now and again.

Mary You’re in Dublin on business I presume?

Terence You could say that.

Mary And what line are you in?

Terence Teacher of commercial subjects.

Muriel Terry was a book keeper before that.

Mary I see. Well where would a business be without a man to make sure that the numbers added up? You’ll join us for tea – of course?

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Terence Thank you. (Terry sits down and there are some moments of awkward silence with each beginning to speak and then stopping). So. Tis a lovely day for it.

Mary Indeed.

Terence Did you see anything you particularly liked?

Mary Muriel – tell Mr MacSwiney what your favourite painting was.

Muriel Mother please. I’m sure Terence would prefer to eat cakes than listen to me talk about art.

Terence Look. I’m imposing– I’d better head.

Mary But the tea is hardly out of the pot. (Waiter walks over holding a tray with a card on it. Mary M takes the card). Excuse me. Oh, stop. Where is she? (Waiter nods in a direction. Mary waves madly at someone across the room) My cousin. What a coincidence. If you’ll excuse me Mr MacSwiney. Don’t go anywhere Muriel, I won’t be long and I’m sure that Mabel would love to see you. What a coincidence. (Mary walks off)

Muriel Phew. I always knew that God had a reason for creating Cousin Margaret, other than to bore us all to death at every family event she attended.

Terence Look we haven’t much time. You do understand what you’re being asked to do.

Muriel Of course, there are rifles to be moved down to Cork.

Terence And the consequences should you get caught? And you’re prepared to take the risk?

Muriel Yes

Muriel We can move them this evening.

Terence And the mother?

Muriel We’ve tickets for an opera tonight. I’ll feign a headache or a fever. Cousin Margaret can go in my place. They can annoy everyone by rustling sweets during the arias.

Terence You’ve a sharp mind alright. I‘ll say that for you.

Muriel I can feel my headache coming on already. (Beat) A joke Commandant. Six rifles I believe.

Terence I’ll send someone round to the alleyway at the back of the hotel. Eight o’clock sharp. The guards change shifts then, so we’ll have twenty minutes. Bring your empty suitcase. If no one turns up it’s because they’ve been followed. So go back to your room. I’ll send word before breakfast if I get the chance. If the police coming looking for me – tell them you haven’t seen me. And speak to no one.

Muriel Why? Is something about to happen?

Terence (Terry nods) I can’t tell you anymore. Eight o’clock- don’t be late. (BLACK)

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(Scene 15- Breakfast room Carrigmoore, Montenotte. Muriel and her mother are eating breakfast in silence. It is Easter Monday April 24th 1916.)

Mary M Where is that girl? How long does she think it takes to boil an egg?

Muriel Perhaps cook gave the chickens the day off. It is Easter Monday after all,

Mary M This is ridiculous. (Charles the coachman rushes in)

Charles Miss Murphy, Miss Murphy

Muriel What is Charles?

Charles Dublin’s on fire Missus.

Mary What do you mean ‘on fire’?

Charles The lads have done it. The flag of the Republic is flying from the GPO. The lads are inside firing at the Brits.

Mary M (Muriel jumps out of her chair and runs out of the room. Her mother stands up) Where do you think you’re going?

Muriel Volunteer’s Hall – where else? Charles, the carriage please- right away. (Black)

(Scene 16 -The Murphy Residence -Montenotte May 1916. Muriel who is wearing the Uniform of Cumnan na Mban is putting on her coat. There is a bag by her side. Her mother Mary enters.) Mary M How many times have I told you? You are not to wear that uniform in this house.

Muriel I’m not, I’m going out.

Mary M Very witty. I suppose that this something to do with Charles informing me that the carriage is unavailable until midday? And cook telling me that Bridie has been up half the night baking cakes.

Muriel I’m going to visiting.

Mary M Anyone I know?

Muriel I think not.

Mary M More secrecy.

Muriel I thought you’d be pleased that I had got the hang of ordering the servants around Mother. But if it bothers you, I will walk down the hill to the station on my own, carrying my own luggage and the cake tin.

Mary M You will do no such thing. At least tell me who the cake is for.

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Muriel Your staff have been preparing food for prisoners from the Easter Rising.

Mary M Now what have you got yourself mixed up in?

Muriel As if you need to ask.

Mary M Have you learnt nothing from what happened over the past few weeks? It was one thing handing out a few badly written, ill argued contentious pamphlets on behalf of Sinn Fein but/

Muriel Insulting people just because you disagree with them- is that good manners Mother?

Mary M How dare you!

Muriel I could say the same about your prying into my personal affairs.

Mary M It’s the consequence of that rubbish that concerns me.

Muriel Why? Do you think that people will drink less in a united Ireland?

Mary M Have you any idea of how much danger you could be in?

Muriel I wouldn’t worry about me. I shall be on the winning side.

Mary M At least tell me where you are going?

Muriel I told you, I am to visit prisoners.

Mary M What kind of people ask a young woman to do that?

Muriel People who care about the welfare of their soldiers, same as I do. People who wouldn’t have to, if our English rulers had given the men a fair trial before locking them up; but seeing they didn’t I must go.

Mary M But you know nothing about this sort of thing

Muriel I’m not stupid Mother. I know when a prisoner has been beaten or deprived of food.

Mary M As if the British would treat their prisoners like that.

Muriel Have you any idea of the numbers of mothers and wives out there, sick with worry because they have not heard from their men folk since they were deported after the Rising? How would you feel if that was Norbert or Nico?

Mary M Deported? You’re going to England.

Muriel Don’t worry Mother, I’m not going to swim over.

Mary M Who will chaperone you?

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Muriel (Shrugs her shoulders) Who knows?

Mary M But you could get blown to bits. I’ve heard that the Germans have taken to bombing the cities.

Muriel I’ll be fine.

Mary M The Empire is at war child.

Muriel Then spare your thoughts for those poor misguided Irish soldiers fighting on the battlefields of Northern France. I’ve heard that their chances of making it out of the trenches are pretty bad. If the mortars don’t get them then the poisonous gas will.

Mary M But what about you? How will I know if something happens to you?

Muriel The same way any mother knows. You’ll get a telegram. Okay. I’ll call when I arrive in London. (Calls off stage), Charles please bring the carriage round. I’m ready to go. (BLACK)

(Scene 17-Wandsworth Prison, London- May 1916. Muriel is standing by an empty desk at the entrance to the prison. She is ringing a bell)

Muriel Hello. Hello. Any one there? Oh, for goodness sake. Do get a move on. (Two prison officers walk on stage behind her)

Albert (Mimicking Muriel) Oh for goodness Albert. Do hurry up. I don’t have all day. Do you?

Fred Let’s see. It’s three o’clock now. Three o’clock. For goodness sake it’s time for afternoon tea, we shouldn’t be here at all.

Albert I’ll ring cook and see if the scones are ready.

Fred And ask ‘er to make sure that them crusts ‘ave come ‘orf those cucumber sandwiches.

Albert And would sir prefer them cut into triangles or little squares?

Fred Let me think.

Muriel Please don’t. I am in the most frightful rush.

Albert Don’t worry love- we tested the locks this morning. Prisoners won’t escape before we get to the desk.

Fred How can we help madam?

Muriel I have had the most frightful journey and I really do need to check on the Irish prisoners.

Albert What’s a well to do lady like you want with that bunch of traitors?

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Fred Now, now Albert

Albert If you ask me, they should have taken a bullet to the lot of them, instead of wasting our time and money on looking after them.

Fred Albert

Muriel I am here to check on their welfare. I have also brought some letters and other comforts.

Albert Have you now darlin’? (They snigger)

Fred Now. Now. Albert. You got a permit love?

Muriel I was given this list (Fred reads the list)

Fred Looks like you’ve missed the boat.

Albert Or to be more accurate, the train.

Fred Most of this lot have moved on.

Muriel But I have been travelling all day and night. Who runs these establishments?

Fred (Reads from the list) Gone, gone, gone, still here but you can’t see him, Yes, Yes

Muriel Who mayn’t I see?

Fred Arthur Griffith, whoever he is. Top security. No visitors allowed, not even for ladies with a lovely smile and big brown eyes.

Albert Unless of course she has ‘some kind of comforts’ for the prison officers.

Muriel Yes of course. How very silly of me. (She opens her purse and takes out a few coins and places them on the desk)

Albert I’m sure we can do something. Can’t we Fred?

Fred Ginger O’Connell or Douglas French Mullen any good to you?

Muriel Is that all you have? I was particularly hoping to see a Terence MacSwiney.

Albert (Albert looks at list) Isn’t he with the Cork lot that got moved up North? Wakefield prison. About a days’ travel from London.

Muriel Oh Gosh.

Fred I’ll tell you what. Let’s get Ginger and Frenchie out of their cells and I’ll see if anything can done about your Arthur. You can ‘give them their comforts’ and then be on your way. That’ll stop you having a wasted journey. (BLACK)

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(Scene 18-Visitors’ Room, Wakefield Prison, Yorkshire- May 1916. Muriel is shown into the room by a prison officer)

P. Guard Ahl ‘av ‘im browt up

Muriel My apologies. I/

P. Guard I sez. Ahl ‘av ‘im browt up (Muriel still looks perplexed). Weet thur. (The prison guard leaves the stage temporarily. Muriel looks around the room, takes her hankie from her handbag and dusts the table and then the chair with it. She sits down. Second later Terence appears, with his hands behind his back looking dishevelled. Muriel looks aghast)

Muriel Oh my goodness. What have they done to you?

P. Guard (The prison officer pushes Terry onto the chair. Unties the rope that is binding his hands and uses to tie him to the leg of the chair. Terence has his eyes in front of his eyes). Gwan. Tell the young lady - you’ve nowt to complain about.

Terry Tis only the change of light from the cells. Takes a while for the eyes to adjust.

P. Guard Anymore from yew MacSwiney- an ahl see to it, yowl next cell has naw windows. Tell yar boyfriend missus- ee shud ave been fightin fowa Empire nat against it. Naw you behave yowself. I want now complaints from his young lady. (Prison guard exits.)

Muriel Are you okay? You look dreadful? Oh dear- sorry. If only I thought, I could have brought

Terry Don’t you be worrying Miss Murphy. I’m grand. Tis great to see someone. (Terence stands up moves his head as if he is trying to look behind her, then sits down again).

Muriel What are you doing?

Terry Just checking?

Muriel For what?

Terry Make sure that the mammy didn’t hitch herself a lift in your skirts. Dublin

Muriel (Laughs). So frightfully embarrassing. If she only known the real reason we met.

Terry (Terence looks at Muriel as if he is lost looking in her face). Indeed.

Muriel So. (There is a pause). A penny for them.

Terry Sorry

Muriel You look deep in thought.

Terry Just thinking back.

Muriel About anything specific?

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Terry You’d be thinking me fierce foolish if I tell you.

Muriel Commandant MacSwiney, I must tell you that it is not gentlemanly to arouse a lady’s curiosity especially if you have no intention of fulfilling it

Terry Well, as I have no wish to be impolite to someone who has travelled such a long way, I should tell you that I was thinking back to Easter week at the Volunteers’ Hall. You came every day.

Muriel What did you expect from a member of Cumman na Mban?

Terry Oh.

Muriel You sound disappointed.

Terry You had no other reason for being there?

Muriel What other reason could I possibly have had?

Terry I wondered if it might be because you found my company in anyway pleasant.

Muriel Oh Terence.

Terry Please forgive, no forget, that I ever bothered you with such nonsense.

Muriel I will not. It is far too charming to be forgotten and hardly something for which forgiveness is needed.

Terry So, you don’t mind?

Muriel I am too flattered to be offended. But I hope that you won’t be disappointed when I tell you that I have been instructed to come and see all the prisoners. Although it is very nice to see you again.

Terry Then forgive me not offering you tea. But as you can see the facilities are somewhat limited.

Muriel You sound like my mother when she has given our servants the day off. Talking of which I have brought you cake. (They laugh)

Terry Please thank your mother.

Muriel Baked by a servant who wished to show her support for the cause, and who will no doubt incur the wrath of her mistress.

Terry Then please convey my personal good wishes to. (Pause)

Muriel Bridie

Terry Bridie. Well. So (Pause) It is late in the day; I must not keep you or your companion for too long.

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Muriel I have come alone.

Terry Isn’t that a bit dangerous?

Muriel Once again you are doing a very good impersonation of my mother. It was Sean O’Sullivan, who ordered me to. And Sean who has asked me to report back.

Terry Then I’ll be quick. I’m locked up by those with neither the wit nor the compassion to provide a book or the light to read it by. We’re rarely fed, and they can’t see a need for blankets. If the men in here weren’t sick when they arrived, they will be when they leave.

Muriel What should I do?

Terry Wire Sean, no write, no, best tell him to his face. No charges have yet been brought against any of us, so this imprisonment is illegal. (Guard returns unbeknown to Muriel and Terry) The news must get out that there are thousands of men imprisoned. Many who have no connection to our movement at all. It is a disgrace. Something must be done.

Ted Wha' theur sayin theear MacSwiney. Theur bloody Irish need sha respect for 'is majesty's government.

Terry Ní féidir linn aon rud a rá agus iad ag éisteacht. Labhraímid i nGaeilge (We can't say anything while they are listening. Let's speak in Irish)

Ted Wha’s goobaldeegook thas wittering in naw?

Muriel Tá brón orm. Níl Gaeilge agam." (I'm so sorry I don’t speak Irish)

Terry Níl aon Ghaeilge agat? (You don’t have Irish)

Muriel French, a little German but no Irish.

Terry (Nods in the direction of the guard). No disrespect but if I’m to be kept informed they’ll need to send someone else. If there’s a language that these guards are guaranteed not to understand- it’s our own.

Muriel Then you’ll be pleased to learn that I have begun teaching myself,

Terry Then please continue at haste and return when we can converse. That way, your visits will have the dual purpose of keeping me informed and brightening my days. (Kisses her hand?). I’ll get the guards to take you down to the other prisoners. Please give this cake to them. I am sure that they have more need of it than I. (Muriel exits. Terence moves to the front of the stage looking after her).

I came in bitter wrath across the sea Because of this new outrage I must bear But not a gentler sweeter note they hear from me And pause surprised, it is a thing so rare They do not know that you have found the place That is my prison. That you bring me balm

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(Walks off still talking) My spirit feels the beauty of your grace And all my passionate wrath awhile is calm You bring me exiled in this strange cold land The lost light of my native Irish skies And I am content now they will understand For I have the beauty of thy eyes. (Black)

(Scene 19- Cambridge, March 1917. Geraldine O’Sullivan’s study room. There is a knock on the door) Porter Telegram for a Miss Murphy. Would that be your visitor Miss?

Geraldine Thank you, Wilson.

Muriel Oh God.

Geraldine Take it.

Muriel Please don’t let it be from France.

Geraldine That news would go to your mother. (Pause) Open it.

Muriel (Muriel opens it and then sits down in shock. Stands up again and twirl around. There is a pause) Oh my goodness!

Geraldine What is it? I never seen you look so happy

Muriel He wants us to get engaged. Terence. He wants to marry me Geraldine. (She grabs her by the arms and swings her round) He wants to marry me. I never thought that he’d ask me, but he has. I’ll have to get a dress. And a veil. Do you think Mother will pay for it? She’ll have to, won’t she? She won’t be mean enough to say ‘no’. Will she? And you must be bridesmaid. Promise me that you will be bridesmaid. Oh. I’m so, so happy. I am going to spend my days with someone who loves me as I am, instead of what they want me to be. We’ll have children. One? Two? Three? Oh heavens, you don’t think that it will be six like my mother. Heavens that would be far too many for the small house that we shall live in. (Geraldine pulls away) What? What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like this? You could at least say ‘congratulations’.

Geraldine Slow down. Are you sure it’s a good idea?

Muriel Mary Murphy, unionist, imperialist, mother in law to Terence MacSwiney, of the Cork Brigade of the Irish Republican Army. It’s brilliant.

Geraldine Put your brain back in its place. You can’t marry Terry just to annoy your mother!!

Muriel That’s right. Spoil my moment of happiness. You’ve never approved. If you’re not careful, you’ll turn into her.

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Geraldine Ouch.

Muriel Sorry. That was a bit harsh.

Geraldine It’s the most important decision you’ll make in your life.

Muriel I know.

Geraldine So, think!

Muriel I love him.

Geraldine I can see that, but does he love you?

Muriel Of course, he does.

Geraldine How do you know?

Muriel Because I do. If you’d ever seen us together, you’d see that we’re perfect for each other.

Geraldine But I haven’t.

Muriel Only because it hasn’t been possible.

Geraldine My point exactly. You visit him in gaol. You write him letters. You send him gifts. Organise collections amongst your wealthy friends. Act as a go between with messages. You’re there for him when he needs you.

Muriel We’re a perfect match.

Geraldine But that’s you loving him. Not him loving you

Muriel My visits are more important to him than anything else. Even the prison officers said so. “Ee’s a reet miserable bugger unless thee’s around miss” so there.

Geraldine He’d be a strange man indeed if he didn’t appreciate the attentions of a beautiful young heiress, willing to travel miles to visit him, however difficult the circumstances.

Muriel This is so unfair. The only day in my life when I have been truly happy, and my best friend tries to ruin it.

Geraldine You’re right. I am a good friend and I love you dearly. That is why I must be truthful. When have you two really had time to get to know each other? To attend concerts, to listen to music, to simply walk along the Mardyke on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy each other’s company.

Muriel I can hear talk like that in Montenotte.

Geraldine I make no apologies for expressing my care through truth.

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Muriel You can learn much about a person through exchanging letters. You’re right. Our courtship has not been the same as others but that doesn’t mean that we don’t know each other. He’s the only man who has ever understood me. Please give us your blessing. I know that when we marry none of my family might ever speak to me again. I couldn’t bear it if the same was true of my best friend.

Geraldine Why not wait until he is released? Make up your mind when you have had a normal courtship?

Muriel You know as well as I do that Terry is likely to be re-arrested as soon as he is let out. If I don’t marry him whilst his interned in Bromyard, I might never get another chance.

Geraldine Doesn’t that tell you something?

Muriel ?

Geraldine Sometimes loyalty can be a dangerous thing.

Muriel I’m marrying him out of love. Why can’t you see that?

Geraldine What brought you together is a love for a country. Let’s hope that this doesn’t destroy you. Both. (BLACK)

(Scene 20- February 1917 the drawing room at Carrigmoore Montenotte. Mary Murphy is sitting at the table. Muriel, now back in Ireland storms in furious. She is holding a letter.)

Muriel How dare you! How, dare you interfere in my life!

Mary Please keep your voice down. The servants will hear.

Muriel Let them. (Raises her voice) Who do you think you are, trying to get the Bishop of Cork to stop our marriage?

Mary A mother who cares deeply about her daughter’s happiness.

Muriel You keep me locked up here as a child. I enter the adult world, friendless, uneducated and useless. And to top it all you want to stop me marrying the man I love. Well you can’t.

Mary All I ask is that you don’t rush into things. I don’t think you understand how vulnerable you are.

Muriel Then you are odds with my future husband who finds my fearlessness and commitment highly attractive.

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Mary I’m concerned for your well-being.

Muriel Well in case you hadn’t noticed, my ‘dark days’ have been far fewer since I had things to occupy my mind – other than what dress I should wear to what dinner party. Who is to say that I won’t be happy all the time, now I have found someone who loves me?

Mary What sort of life can he give you?

Muriel One where I shall be loved. Which is more than I ever was here.

Mary Child, the man is a dedicated republican, a terrorist who was probably in cahoots with those men who destroyed Dublin last Easter. And would have done the same to Cork if they’d been given half a chance. Have you any idea what might happen to him?

Muriel How little you know of strategy mother. The days of a surprise military attack are gone.

Mary And you think that will stop them? Men like MacSwiney revel in the expectation of danger.

Muriel You know nothing about the organisation.

Mary Do you think poor Isabella Gifford didn’t have the same conversation with Grace when she announced her marriage to Joseph Plunkett? Or Muriel when she teamed up with that McDonagh man?

Muriel Both Grace and Muriel were proud to have been married such noble Irishmen.

Mary Both widows before they were thirty.

Muriel So?

Mary Joseph Plunkett was executed four hours after the ring was placed on Grace’s finger. Is that what you want?

Muriel Terence says that there is nothing greater than for a man than to die for the cause he believes in. And I agree with him.

Mary Then that shows how little you know both know about love or the pain of losing it. I’d heard that his only saving grace was that he had decided to remain a bachelor.

Muriel That was before he met me. You should read the letter that he sent to his sisters telling them of our engagement. Fourteen pages mother, that’s right fourteen pages explaining why he felt that with me marriage could be an option.

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Mary Fourteen pages to explain your choice of bride! Sounds more like a business contract that your father, God rest his soul, would have asked his solicitor to arrange.

Muriel So even the length of his sincerity doesn’t impress you. Oh, I forgot, you can’t bear anyone to think anything good about me. Would you be more agreeable if he had explained his intentions in two lines?

Mary I cannot pretend that I have ever agreed with Mr MacSwiney’s philosophy or politics, but I do have some respect for the man’s decision to remain single. At least it showed that he had some feeling for women. That’s more than I can say for some of his compatriots who took up arms last Easter.

Muriel If you knew him better, then you would know that he is more than a soldier. He is poet and a playwright.

Mary Child please

Muriel Stop talking to me as if I’m six years old.

Mary Do you think I would be so concerned if writing was his only occupation? Marry a penniless writer or poet if you wish. With your father’s settlement you’ll hardly starve.

Muriel You’re determined to make my life as miserable as possible.

Mary I want you to be happy, to have a husband who puts you first, who will come home to you and your children each evening. The lifestyle of those terrorists is well known. Constantly on the move, sleeping in different houses each night. MacSwiney’s activities are an open secret in this city. And you, of all my children, need a home where you can be safe. The only positive thing I can say is that at least your father is not alive witness it.

Muriel You’re wrong Dada would want me to be happy.

Mary Clearly, I am not going to convince you. All I ask is that you have the good grace to think about what I have said

Muriel I have and I am going ahead. Don’t worry mother. You’ll have no worries. I won’t embarrass you. I’ll make sure that no reports of our relationship will ever appear in the pages of any newspaper. Ever. (BLACK)

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(Scene 21- Church at Bromyard, Herefordshire. Morning June 9th, 1917. Terence stands alone on stage facing front- he is dressed in IRA uniform.. Muriel walks in from behind him as if she is walking up the aisle. She is in in bridal dress. Geraldine is behind. They stand to face each other. Terry places a ring on Muriel’s finger )

Terence And I am happy now the woven dream That I did draw about me on dark ways has settled in my soul for length of days. And I do feel it's light upon me beam. The sun and stars by day and night do gleam, The mist and shadows from my light to raise. Should I not then lift up my voice to praise, For joy now bears me on its sunny stream. Muriel And I did envy once the birds their song; And I did sigh my soul to leaf and flower; And I was rocked in fear and wild unrest; Now I am born on gentler seas along. I feel the peace and gladness of the hour For love hath banished sorrow from my breast. (They kiss) (Black)

(Scene 22- Muriel alone on stage, Bromyard June 1916. Waiting expectantly. Terence walks on waving a piece of paper. They embrace)

Muriel Terry. Terry. Over here.

Terry Take a look at this. Your husband is now a free man. Come here to me Mrs MacSwiney. (Sweeps he up in his arms). Time for me to take your new home in West Cork. (BLACK)

Scene 23- The Listener’s Room. Muriel and the Listener enter and stand at either side of the stage. Therapist So to West Cork to begin married life. Important months.

Muriel You mean the only three months we had together as man and wife, give or take the odd week here or there.

Therapist It wasn’t a judgement

Muriel Oh don’t worry. The irony that I married the most trapped freedom fighter in Irish history has not passed me by,

Therapist Your time in Ballingeary?

Muriel Heaven. Alone together for the first time. No guards eavesdropping. Intimacy. Summertime. Long days. Birdsong. Soft rain. The smell of wet grass as we walked through the fields. The lilt of the Irish language. Inject something with that and it can keep them going for years. Well it did me.

Therapist You make it sound like a drug.

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Muriel Aren’t they what we use to modify reality? Every time that Terry was away, I’d comfort myself by thinking back to how happy we had been during those few months in West Cork. So in that sense, yes it was a drug.

Therapist And the reality?

Muriel You mean his mistress, whom I thought marriage would keep away for a bit, came hammering on our front door.

THE ‘ARREST’ SCENES THAT FOLLOW ARE THE WRITERS ‘ROADMAP’ OF WHAT FOLLOWS IN TERMS OF ACTION. THEY WILL USED IN THE READING BUT WILL BE DEVELOPED DURING REHEARSAL THROUGH IMPROVISATION. THE WRITER ENVISAGES THAT THEY WILL BECOME A STYLISED ACCOUNT ON MACSWINEY AS A MAN ON THE RUN INTERSPERSED WITH NEWSFLASHES OF THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN IRELAND.

(Scene 24 - Ballingeary, West Cork June 1917. Terence walks on stage talking to a villager in Irish. He is wearing the uniform of the IRA. Two RIC who speak with Cork accents appear)

RIC 1 There he is. (Terry tries to run away but is apprehended) Terence MacSwiney. I arrest you in the name of the king.

Villager Leave the lad alone. Shur he’s only three months wed.

RIC 1 He’s coming with us.

Terence At least tell me the charge

RIC 2 You have six months to think about what you’re wearing. You. Tell his missus he’s being taken to Cork gaol.

(Scene 25- Dublin March 1918. Terence walks on stage, he reads the paper whilst he is. He is wearing the uniform of the IRA. Two RIC who speak with Dublin accents appear)

RIC 1 Terence MacSwiney. I arrest you in the name of King George V. Who takes a strong objection to what your wearing on the streets of the second city of his Empire. We’re taking you to Dublin’s Bridewell. Time to tell your good lady not to worry about the dinner. You won’t be home for six months.

Terence You can’t do this. We’ve a baby on the way. (Black).

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(Scene 26- MacSwiney home, Douglas, Cork. Geraldine is sitting down when Muriel walks, she sits down and starts sobbing. She is heavily pregnant.)

Geraldine Darling- what’s happened?

Muriel I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t cry and I don’t mean to … I do try to hold back, but sometimes I just can’t.. .. it’s too much…it all comes tumbling out

Geraldine Oh my God. Terry? Something’s happened?

Muriel No. Terry’s just fine. It’s me being weak and wobbly. My poor husband has a stupid faint-hearted woman for a wife when he needs a true soldier beside him.

Geraldine He did read your letter? (Muriel nods) And?

Muriel (Muriel shows Geraldine a letter) He told me to read it at home but I couldn’t wait. I was so full of hope and now. Here (Gives her a letter which Geraldine reads to herself and then out loud).

Geraldine “There is a lot of sound sense in what you wrote. Don't think that we are ignoring that side of things. We're not. We mean to hit them and not ourselves and we'll study every new situation in that light.” Begins well anyway. He’s listened to what you have had to say

Muriel Has he?

Terence (Terry appears downstage left) “Ashe’s is life wasn't wasted because the same is being asked of us. It is not for our own comfort that we are fighting but for the country and thousands of people were converted after Ashe’s death. Every struggle and sacrifice helps to make the country solid for the freedom and future we are fighting for and that is the reward. But let me reassure you we are not going to play a fool’s game. you will find me stronger than ever next week. And I do want to go home to you now. Perhaps after our fight we might be entitled to a holiday ……”

Muriel Please don’t say you warned me. I’ve hardly seen him since we got married.

Geraldine He does say that he wants to go home.

Muriel All this fasting. It’s no game, it can do great damage to a body.

Geraldine Be strong my darling. They say that it was the ‘force feeding’ that killed Thomas Ashe- not the actual hunger strike.

Muriel I don’t care. I just want this little one to have a father who stays alive. Not a memory of someone who was a good recruiting sergeant for a cause.

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Geraldine She will have

Muriel How do I convince him that he is important to us?

Geraldine You don’t need to. You know how excited he is about the baby.

Muriel Enough to want to stay alive for us.

Geraldine It will be called off – it always is.

Muriel But not by him?

Geraldine No

Muriel His mother died when he was small. Min had to raise them when their father left. Maybe he thinks that parents are unimportant.

Geraldine Now you’re being daft.

Muriel I can’t get through to him Geraldine. Remember what happened when I pleaded with him to tell me how he felt about us. You saw what he wrote back.

Geraldine You’ve always known how deeply religious he is.

Muriel You saw the letter. He’s more concerned about following St Thomas A Kempis teachings than my wishes.

Geraldine You’ll drive yourself mad if you keep on like that. Come on. Sit down. I’ve fresh scones made. I’ll put the kettle on.

Muriel I will get him back- won’t I?

Geraldine Read between the lines – ‘wanting to go home’, ‘looking forward’. I’m sure that they will call it off. (Black)

Scene 27 – The Listener’s room. Muriel and the Listener at either side of the stage.

Listener This was Terry’s first hunger strike?

Muriel The first one we’d been through together. (Pause) The Troscud. They used them all the time. Felt that it was the only weapon they had.

Listener Tell me more about why you communicated by letter.

Muriel It was the only means of communication we had. The guards were always around, you see. We spoke as much as we could but it was impossible to talk about the most of private of things. So, I’d bring a letter with me and take one home. Well, most of the time.

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Listener And in this letter, you’d asked him to stop?

Muriel The death of Thomas Ashe showed us that it wasn’t a game.

Listener What did you mean by “He cares more about what God thinks of him than I do”

Muriel He saw Ireland’s struggle as a deeply spiritual act. Our marriage had to fit into that. Even the baby. Terry insisted that she was born in Cork even though I would have happily given birth in a Belfast nursing home.

Listener But we’ve just been talking about his time in Cork gaol.

Muriel That’s right but he was arrested not long after release. (BLACK)

Scene 27- (Belfast Gaol August. Muriel is in the ‘waiting room’ holding the baby when a Prison Officer who speaks with a N.I accent appears, he hands Muriel some baby food which he has warmed for her).

Owen There you go. Warmed milk.

Muriel Most kind

Owen How old is the wee one? (Interacts with the baby in a kindly way)

Muriel Three months. Her name is Maire

Owen A real beauty. Takes after her mammy. I’ve four meself. Wouldn’t be without them. Will this be the first time your husband has seen the wee one?

Muriel Yes sadly. It is quite a journey from Cork to Belfast. I’m here for a week.

Owen Well you’ll be visiting us again no doubt. Ask for me if you need anything for the baba. Shur she’s a real beauty so she is. (Terry enters and takes the baby) Tell that husband of yours to keep out of trouble. A daddy’s place is at home with his wee ones. Why would anyone choose to be away from this little beauty? (Takes the baby but walks offstage away whilst saying the poem- may change

Terence poem) Baby, baby sweet and wise. Deeper than the morning skies. Is the wonder of your eyes While we pause before this wonder All life’s cares must drop asunder. In the spell you hold us under (Black)

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Scene 28 – A room in Belfast. Muriel is sitting with her head in her hands. She looks a mess There is a letter in front of her on the floor. The sound of a baby crying and being ignored can be heard. She picks the letter up. Terry’s voice can be heard from off stage reading a letter that he has written to her.

Terence My love. When you say you feel the pain you give me, I pray that I could shut it and all the pain of the earth out from you. When you said you'd like to go into some small hole and hide yourself, did you not guess that. I'd rather go into that hole with you however dark and uncomfortable than take all the glory and riches and luxury of the world from another. Imagine my eyes. Can you not see the protection and love and sympathy therein? Where I to die I would not rest in heaven whilst you were in distress Oh my hope for you is fixed in God and cannot fail. (BLACK)

Scene 29 - Muriel is standing outside Belfast Prison 1919 holding the baby and waiting to meet Terence who is about to be released. Terence walks on stage, kisses Muriel and picks up the baby.

Terence How happy can a man be? How I have longed for this moment to be with the two most important women in my life. God is indeed good.

Muriel Terry lookout (Terence runs across the stage and off. He reappears followed by two RIC man who catch him).

RIC Terence John MacSwiney. I hereby arrest

Muriel No! You can’t. My husband has been in prison for six months. He has only just been released. He needs to come home to us.

Terence Enlighten me officer. What crime is it possible for a man to commit whilst incarcerated at His Majesty’s Pleasure

RIC You’ll find out soon enough. Get in that van.

Muriel Terry

Terence Tell Min what’s happened. Tell Art to check the list. I’ve committed no crime so it much be deportation. (Black)

(Scene 30 - Cork City Hall, August 12th1920. A meeting of the corporation has just finished. Terry is reading some papers. Offstage we hear a warning whistle. A clerk runs on.)

Clerk C’mon. Head downstairs

Terence How many?

Clerk Four, quick. (They go to run off stage, but their way is blocked by the RIC and/or military)

Terence Gentlemen. How may I help?

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Soldier Terence John MacSwiney. I hear by arrest on charge of the following crimes: One. Two counts of being in possession of seditious documents liable to cause disaffection to His Majesty, the King. Two, the ownership of a cipher key, that allows you to decode documents that should otherwise remain secret. You will be taken into custody immediately until such time as you stand trial. What say you?

Terence I say you are talking to the City’s chief magistrate. You’ve no right to arrest me.

(Scene 31- Youghal, Co. Cork August 1920. Early in the morning. There is a knock at the door.

Sean Mrs MacSwiney. Mrs MacSwiney

Muriel What’s the matter?

Sean I need you to listen.

Muriel Has something happened to Terry? He’s been shot, he’s been shot. Dear God, don’t tell me that he’s been shot.

Sean He’s not dead.

Muriel Oh God he’s badly injured. Where is he? I must get to him

Sean He’s alive and well. But you need to know that he has been arrested.

Muriel They can’t do that, he’s the Lord Mayor

Sean Think of Mrs MacCurtain. Arrest is better than death. At least he is alive.

Muriel Oh God.

Sean Look. What matters is they have him, and they are going to take him to England. You need to get him some clothes quickly. Inside now before someone sees me. (BLACK)

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ACT TWO

Scene 31 – The Listeners room. The stage is bare. Muriel and the Listener appear at either side.

Listener So you are twenty-eight years old, the mother of a two-year-old daughter. And, on hearing of his sentence your husband announces that “he will be free within a month alive or dead” and begins a hunger strike.

Muriel In solidarity with his comrades in Cork city gaol you understand.

Listener How on earth did you cope?

Muriel Well practically there was the baby- but luckily my mother/

Listener Forgive me. I meant emotionally.

Muriel At first I was quite hopeful. Of course, I was kept very busy. Min, Terry’s sister organised a visiting rota because Terry did not wish to be left alone. I was part of that and then of course – there were letters etcetera. You have to remember that Terry’s cause which was Ireland’s cause was very popular. We had a great deal of support. At that stage I was you could say that I was hopeful. (BLACK) (Muriel and the Listener remain on stage).

Scene 32 - Outside Brixton prison, Jebb Avenue. George Lasenby walks on stage followed by the ‘crowd’. He stands on the crate and begins addressing the crowd.

George And that’s why comrades. And I repeat, that I can’t say this strongly enough. Lasenby Comrades that we must all do everything we can to secure the release of our brave comrade Terence MacSwiney, Lord Mayor of Cork who at this very moment lies perilously close death on the other side of these walls.. Wrongly accused- yes wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. There can be no justification for it. So what do I say? I say (Crowd joins in with him) “Release Terence MacSwiney now”. Who do we want released?

Crowd Terry MacSwiney

George When do we want him released?

Crowd Now

Police (Off stage - sound of a police whistle) Bloody Irish. Go home now before I arrest the whole lot of you.

Crowd Up the Rebels

Crowd Up Sinn Fein

Crowd Erin Go Bragh

Police (Another police whistle blows) Right that’s it. Lads after them now. (Another police whistle blows. The crowd disperses) Over the melee a fusion of radio stations can be heard)

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BBC This is the BBC calling from London. Support for the Lord Mayor of Cork currently on hunger strike in Brixton prison is being reported from all over the world.

Pete This is Pete Silverman downtown New Jersey radio. I’m dockside along with Dan Silverman Murphy of our very own Irish longshoremen, currently boycotting British NYJ shipping in support of Terence MacSwiney’s hunger strike. I hear that there has been a further development in this story.

Dan Indeed- 40,000 of our African America colleagues down here on the quayside have pledged their support. A telegram is on its way to Cork Corporation from (Irish) their leader Marcus Garvey

Radio Aquí están las noticias de Radio Catluyna. Hoy el Centro Autónomo de Empleados de Cataluyna Comercio e Idustry ha escrito a Lloyd George, el Primer Ministro del Reino Unido, instándole a liberar a Terence MacSwiney, el Señor Alcalde de Cork Spanish "Nuestra organización, compuesta por 8.000 (Begin Fade) miembros dedicados a la humilde profesión de empleados comerciales, desea hacer oír su voz por usted, con el fin de expresar la preocupación de …(Fade)

Scene 33 – The Listeners room. The stage is bare. Lights up on Muriel and the Listener.

Listener The hunger strike, it lasted for 74 days.

Muriel A long time. I know. Do you know that they carried out laboratory tests, so sure were they, that we had been giving my husband food?

Listener And had you?

Muriel How dare you! I kept my emotions under control. And so did everyone else.

Listener Surely you were tempted?

Muriel No

Listener Really?

Muriel If you mean, did I want to give my husband food so that he would stay alive- of course I did. What wife wouldn’t? But that is a long way from giving in to those feelings. Understand this-this hunger fast was a matter of conscience for Terry. And at that time, I would never have tried to stop him doing something which he believed to be right.

Listener But there must have been highs and lows surely?

Muriel Of course. There were times when I left the prison in despair thinking that I would never see him again. And at other times when he rallied, when I was just grateful to have a few more days to try and help secure his release.

Listener And when it came to the publicity campaign. What was the high point of that?

Muriel Knowing that King George supported us.

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Scene 34 -Balmoral Castle 27th August 1920. The King and Robert MacLean a Scottish clergyman are sitting in the King’s study reading. The King is reading a copy of the Times, which he throws down.

King (Shouts) Standfordham. Where the hell are you? (Sound of footsteps running)

PPS (Enter Clive Standfordham private secretary to the King) Majesty

King (Waving the paper at his private secretary) Irish men and women dragged out of their homes and shot, houses burned, creameries set on fire.

PPS Ah. Bishop Colahan’s letter to the Times

King Which they have printed in full. I thought that I had made it clear that these excesses of the RIC were to cease.

PPS I will write again to the Chief Secretary for Ireland.

King Immediately and leave Greenwood in no doubt of his King’s views of the behaviour of the Black and Tans. This no way for men in my uniform to behave.

PPS And if he mentions the tricky subject of the continuing murder of policeman by the Irish volunteers?

King Then quote the Bishop of Cork – ‘that the men who commit these murders must be brought to justice in the proper way’. There is no place in our legal system for random executions as a means of retribution. I cannot have such an image of our great nation blasted all over the world. People who, under ordinary circumstances, give little attention to the affairs of Ireland will inquire what caused of all this. They will point the finger at us. At me, which I think is jolly unfair.

PPS Indeed Sire. No one has done more to try to solve the Irish Home Rule issue than you

King And I might have succeeded had that wretched cousin of mine not started his mischief in Europe. And then there’s that fool Carson and his tribe, who insist that, on no account can the northern counties be ruled from Dublin. That man should be sent high up in a balloon so that he can see the country is one island and should be ruled as such.

PPS Indeed Sire.

King The other lot aren’t any help. Starting a war of independence. You’d have thought that everyone would have had enough bloodshed.

Maclean Indeed Sire, However, if you ask a soldier to fight in a global war for the right of a small countries to self-determination, then it is only to be expected that he will ask for the same rights for his own country when that war finishes. It should not be forgotten that Britain did block Ireland’s request to be heard at the Paris Peace Conference.

King Damn it, MacLean. If I didn’t know you better, I’d think that you were one of them.

Maclean I am but a simple clergyman at your majesty’s service.

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King At least you are here and doing your job, The Prime Minster still holidaying in the Alps I suppose?

PPS This arrived this morning. (Reads from letter) “I have received several communications concerning the Lord Mayor of Cork. I deeply regret his decision to starve himself and the suffering that these actions have inflicted not only on himself but on his relation and friends “. Sir (He hands the king the letter which he reads)

King No change in his position then. (Pause) The Lady Mayoress?

PPS Publicly – she is bearing up. Privately who knows?

King The Murphys have done well from the Empire. One wonders what the family thinks about it all.

PPS They’re being very supportive.

King I damn well hope they are not.

PPS I meant in a practical sense. The grandmother has engaged a nursemaid for the baby in Cork.

King I wonder, given Lord Mayor’s in-laws, whether a compromise might be reached with the Cabinet? A release to house detention perhaps whereby his wife could administer to his needs.

PPS I can put it to Lloyd George.

King Who will leave the answering of it to Balfour, safe in the knowledge of his attitude to Ireland. Nothing will change and I will be asked to refrain from meddling in the affairs of state. (King paces. Pause) Damn. Damn, Damn. At times like these, I wonder if there is any point in a country having a monarch.

PPS Majesty?

King They call me king yet render me impotent. Both her Majesty and I would happily exercise our royal prerogative of mercy to MacSwiney. Yet I am blocked at every stage. Put back in my box by Parliament and reminded of the limitation of a constitutional monarch. I am little more than a figurehead. (Pause). It is okay for the king to have a view as long as he does not expect anyone to act on it.

PPS (Pause) What would you like me to do majesty?

King ‘I have decided the term of my imprisonment…I shall be free, alive or dead, within a month.’ His own words. Tell me is his action the ultimate in a foolish gamble or the strongest, most sincere witness of belief?

Maclean Hardly the latter Sire

King MacLean

Maclean The Lord Mayor is a devout Roman Catholic a daily communicant in fact. His Church teaches that suicide is the most grievous sin.

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King So why would he wish to approach death on the wrong side of His Maker?

Maclean The influence of a medieval cleric. There is a book: “The Imitation of Christ” by St Thomas a Kempis, that the Lord Mayor holds great store by.

King Why is that title is familiar to me?

Maclean You probably heard of it in connection with the Easter Rising. Some of the leaders felt that Ireland would only get its freedom if men, like them were prepared to sacrifice their own lives. The name Padraig Pearse might be familiar to you.

King Indeed. But the insurrection of 1916 was a calculated risk. MacSwiney case is altogether different.

Maclean Taking one’s own life is a sad but complex matter Sire. For example, slaves in America considered death a preferable option to the lives they were forced to lead.

King I don’t see the connection

Maclean The Lord Mayor’s political principles maybe forcing him to live in a way he finds intolerable.

King Preposterous.

PPS If I may disagree Sire. The Lord Mayor has spent a great deal of time in prison or detention. Perhaps he has had enough of that life.

Maclean Seeing death as a preferable option is not unusual. Don’t forget that suicide was originally outlawed because the badly persecuted early Christians, were a little too certain that the afterlife held more promise than the one they had.

King Good God. Are you saying that they killed themselves if the pagans didn’t execute them?

Maclean So I have heard. (Pause) Have you ever been in prison Sire?

King I hope not. That would cause a constitutional crisis. What? (King laughs followed by PPS and MaClean reluctantly)

PPS Very good sire.

King Continue Maclean.

Maclean Moral in these places is never good- the men are fed barely adequately.

King Quite right.

Maclean There is little in the way of diversions or comforts. Conditions for those serving their time in solitary confinement is understandably much harsher.

King And your point?

Maclean It would not surprise me that having lived in these conditions for the past few years that the Lord Mayor’s mental state is not good.

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King You’re saying that MacSwiney is depressed?

Maclean Could it be that another arrest, triggered feelings he associates with his many other incarcerations? Perhaps the Lord Mayor finds it preferable to throw himself on the mercy of the Lord if this is all life can offer him.

King But the man’s a hardened terrorist.

PPS (Standfordham coughs). His republican activities have led to many breeches with the law. Arrested in the general sweep following the Easter Rising of 1916- held in England. No charge.

King Released under my 1916 Christmas amnesty, I presume.

PPS Indeed. Unfortunately, he was re-arrested in January 1917.

King What the hell for?

PPS Making a seditious speech. Gaoled for a month until a fine of one shilling was paid. Shortly after he was rearrested and deported to England where he was jailed and then interned. Lincoln and Herefordshire.

King Charge?

PPS Wearing a uniform of the Irish Republican Army. An offence that he repeats several times. (Hands the King the list of charges)

King Well that ‘puts paid’ to your theory Maclean. For a man you think might be traumatised by prison - he can’t wait to get back in. Damn it all, you’d think that his in-laws with all their money could afford to buy him a new set of clothes. (All laugh) The conditions in Brixton?

PPS A room in the medical wing

King Well they can’t criticise us for that at least. What is it about the Irish and ultimatums? They seem to go on hunger strike the moment they are arrested.

Maclean It might help if I explained the term ‘Troscad’ sire. (King indicates ‘to continue’). It comes from the Celtic law of the fifth century. Fasting oneself was a means of compelling justice and establishing one’s rights. At its heart is the idea that all, however poor, are entitled to justice.

King And how does it work?

Maclean Using Troscud, a complainant would announce their grievance and state that they will remain without food until their injustice is settled through arbitration. I understand that it was not unusual for the accused part to desist from taking food as well. The equalising of both parties making a speedy resolution more likely.

King I hope you are not suggesting that I should refrain from eating. The Queen would never allow it. We need another approach. (Pause) MacLean, do you believe in the fires of hell?

Maclean I believe such a place exists certainly.

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King And the possibility of damnation for all eternity?

Maclean Indeed.

King Could we not frighten MacSwiney into ending his hunger strike? Make hell out to be a bit worse than it is. He might listen to a man of the cloth. What do you think?

Maclean I’m not sure that I could envisage a punishment worse than being burnt alive for all eternity Sire.

King Forgive me. My attempt at being light-hearted

Maclean Of course, but as I understand it Mr MacSwiney wishes to die as a soldier.

King Poppycock. MacSwineys actions have nothing to do with risk. If you don’t eat you die. The man is committing suicide. Take your line MacLean and you are in grave danger of saying that a brave soldier, who gets shot in battle is the same as someone who dies refusing to eat his dinner.

PPS Or the thousands of who climbed out of the trenches to certain death in the last war. (King is taken aback and there is a significant pause)

King MacLean. Tell me, why am I so bothered by this man?

Maclean Sire

King Seven hundred thousand of my soldiers did not return from the war. If I had been concerned about the survival of each and every one of them, in the same way that I care about the Lord Mayor, I would have been declared insane within a matter of weeks. But this one man, lying on a bed in Brixton prison challenges something in the very core of my being. And I be damned if I know why.

Maclean Could it be because, in his unarmed, emaciated state the Lord Mayor has turned his body into a weapon. A weapon that can be only activated by death. A weapon more powerful than an artillery of guns and shells. A weapon, whose damage will not just be measured in a ‘body count’ but in the destruction of the very reputation of the British Empire.

King So, what should I do?

Maclean Like you, I think that he should be released. However as that seems impossible, refuse to accept that his body is a weapon. Act in a humane way by continuing to offer him food until either your government or the Irish Republican Army back down. Sadly, Sire I see this as being the only way forward.

King Standfordham?

PPS There is wisdom in MacLean’s wise words. Also I have heard that as, not all member of Cork Corporation agree with his actions, there may be hope there.

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King In that case Standfordham, prepare a letter. To Cork Corporation. Explain, with regret that the Crown cannot help. They’ll have to sort it out. Bring it to me to sign. (Bells rings) Lunch gentlemen. (BLACK)

Scene 35 – The Listeners room. The stage is bare. Lights up on Muriel and the Listener.

Listener. A blow?

Muriel Yes

Listener. The worst letter you received.

Muriel No. (BLACK)

Scene 35 - Muriel ’s bedroom, Jermyn Hotel, Piccadilly October 1920. Muriel keeps looking at her watch. Min is pacing the floor, Geraldine walks in holding a letter that she gives to Muriel.

Geraldine At last. (Muriel opens it. There is a brief pause and then Muriel gives a loud scream and then starts sobbing loudly. Min’s reaction to this is to grab a hand towel and place it over her mouth. She then reads the letter that is holding onto tightly)

Geraldine For God’s sake (Muriel lets the letter that she has been holding fall to the ground. picks it up. grabs a chair- seats whilst comforting her. Muriel continues to howl hysterically)

Min Quiet woman.

Geraldine You tell them ‘no’. You won’t accept it.

Min It’s your own fault for petitioning them in the first place.

Geraldine She’s his wife. You’re his sister.

Min Terry is a soldier.

Geraldine Who shouldn’t be expected to take on the British Empire, alone and unarmed. It is hardly a fair fight.

Min Listen to her. We made a pledge that the enemy would not see us crying.

Geraldine The IRA council has just confirmed a death sentence on her husband.

Min ……under any circumstances.

Geraldine Don’t you feel anything?

Min I’ve worked day and night to keep our story – our story - not the Brits’ story on the front pages of the papers. And I’ll not have her ruining it.

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Geraldine Put yourself in her situation.

Min Do you know what the photographers who hang round outside the hotel and prison are waiting for with their cameras and flashlights. A sign of distress.

Geraldine You’re exaggerating.

Min It’s the headline they’re waiting for “Wife of Lord Mayor distraught at decision of cruel IRA council”. I’ll not have our efforts ruined because she can’t control herself.

Geraldine What has happened to you?

Min (Taking on the persona of a reporter) “You look a bit strained Lady MacSwiney. Did you sleep alright ? This must be very trying for you both? How is your little daughter? Is she missing her dada?” It will be unbearable for my brother. (Muriel sobs Min walks over and shakes her) Stop it. Do you hear me? Stop it now, do you hear me?

Geraldine Leave her alone. Put yourself in her shoes

Min We haven’t time for hysterics. She knew what to expect when she married him

Geraldine They made vows that they would love each other till death parted them. Someone needs to explain to your brother what marital love is before it is too late. And, don’t you dare tell me that you love him, because it is patently clear that you don’t.

Muriel Geraldine please.

Geraldine Why do you let her treat you like this?

Muriel Min’s been like a mother to Terry

Geraldine Then why doesn’t she should act like one and end this madness now

Min Out of respect for my brother who thinks “that his death will do more to smash the British Empire than his release.”

Geraldine And what about his family- does he have a right to smash them too?

Min Terry wants to live. It is the British who want to kill him.

Geraldine Then why do they keep asking Muriel to persuade him to eat?

Min Please leave

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Geraldine Why? Can’t you bear hearing a view different to your own?

Min Just go

Geraldine Why don’t you say something?

Min Because like you, she is a member of a paramilitary organisation and understands the need for order and discipline.

Geraldine I thought that Pearse, McDonagh and the others had sacrificed their lives for a new Ireland. A place of freedom- not a country where one person dictated what others must think. And certainly not a place where, a course of action, so clearly wrong, must be continued because no one is allowed to dissent.

Min It is the British who want to kill him.

Geraldine How? By offering him food daily. By bathing his limbs. Bandaging his arms to ease the neuritis. If the British want to murder Terry then someone needs to tell them that they are going about it in the wrong way.

Min This is treachery. I could have you thrown out of the organisation

Geraldine I support Irish freedom as much as you do. But try as I might, I can’t see how the loss of another husband and father by his own hand is going to make one iota of difference.

Min We keep Terry on the front page. All over the world people are learning about the British atrocities in Ireland.

Geraldine He’s a human being, not a publicity tool. Have you any idea what he is suffering?

Min I’m there every day.

Geraldine Then why don’t you ask him what it takes to breathe? How much pain he is in when he tries to turn in bed? Ask him if he is cold. If he is, it might just be because the weight of a blanket on his skin is too much too bear.

Min Get out

Geraldine What Terry would say if he was here now?

Min His views haven’t changed. “It is not those who have the most but those who can endure the most who will prevail”. We will suffer beside him in that sacred endurance.

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Geraldine He’s in Brixton Prison not on the road to Calvary. Muriel you have power to change things. You know that there are people on your side. There’s no shame in saying that you have had enough.

Muriel I can’t

Geraldine Oh sweetheart.

Muriel Terry thinks I’m brave

Geraldine ?

Muriel It’s the only good thing about me

Geraldine Nonsense

Muriel Is it? I could never understand why a man like Terry could possibly love me. And then he told me, he chose me because I was fearless. I can’t let him die thinking he married the wrong person.

Geraldine Sweetheart, no.

Muriel If I shed tears, they would rock the foundation of our marriage and reveal me as a fraud. It would confirm to my family and his that I was nothing but a fool. A stupid woman who could not stand by the man she had chosen.

Geraldine Your mother has her faults but even she would never be so harsh

Muriel Wouldn’t she?

Geraldine Since when has strength in the face of such intolerable suffering been a virtue? If I thought that my sadness would save the man I loved, then the sheets in that prison cell would be soaked with my unashamed tears.

Muriel I can’t do it

Geraldine He’ll be released in two years. Maire will be just four years old. Okay, there’ll be no more children, but you can still be a family. Maire would have a father.

Min Maire has a father. And she will grow up knowing what a great man he was. What he was prepared to do for Ireland.

Geraldine At the expense of all the women in his life. What kind of a misogynist is he?

Min How dare you describe my brother in those terms

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Geraldine Why? Because you can’t bear the truth. What is behind this? Some deathbed promise you made to your republican mother to comfort her at her end? Does Terry have to go through all this pain to prove that you raised a true patriot for her?

Min You keep my mother out of this. Get out. Now. You are not wanted in here.

Geraldine Your father abandoned his motherless children to live in Australia. Is that why you think that little Maire will be okay growing up without a father?

Min He was looking for work. We are not at the end of the line. I will make people listen.

Geraldine Who? The king has refused to intervene. Likewise, the Prime Minister. We’ve just found out how much the IRA value its commandants. The British Labour

movement makes all the right noises but does little else. Your options are running out as fast as Terry’s chances. (Pause) Go on tell me, what are you going to do. (Pause) Well? Your silence says it all. There is nothing left.

Min It wasn’t a definite ‘no’ from the socialists. I’ll go back to them, remined them of all the working-class Irish men who fought alongside their British brothers in the trenches. For the same cause. The right of self determination

Muriel Will you please stop shouting at each other

Geraldine How about getting a different bus to the prison tomorrow? Go east instead of south. See the effect that the war and flu pandemic has had on London. Limbless

men begging on the streets. Deranged gas-shocked fellas staggering around as if they are trying to escape the battlefield. And if that doesn’t convince you, look through the window of one of the slum dwellings and watch the face of the war widow who has to tell her child that there is nothing to eat. Those are the people that the socialists want to help.

Min Go. Now

Geraldine If your brother believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ as he says he does, then why not encourage him to stay alive and help the poor.

Min My brother does not need to justify anything to you.

Geraldine Good because he won’t have much longer to do it.

Min I am not asking you again

Geraldine He is supposed to be the Lord Mayor

Min Exactly. He is doing his duty to the people of Cork.

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Geraldine And since when have political principles taking priority over the running of a city? He also has a duty to Cork’s citizens- their housing, public health, transport, jobs. Things a city needs to make it work. And don’t try and tell me that the whole of Cork corporation is behind him because you know that is not true. Just whose arrogance is defining this. From the rumours I’m hearing that doesn’t include Michael Collins.

Min We have heard what you have had to say Miss O’Sullivan. Now please leave and don’t come back. I am sorry that your misunderstanding causes us to part on poor terms. Please do not visit again.

Geraldine Is that what you want?

Muriel Min’s right. This whole business is too upsetting for you.

Geraldine Me?

Muriel My husband needs my support not criticism.

Min You heard what she said

Geraldine Listen to me. (She takes a piece of paper and scribbles something on it) You can get hold of me here. If there’s anything- anything at all I can do. Just say. (She hands

the paper to Muriel and then looks at Min). There is a mirror over there. I suggest you take a good look in it. At heart I believe that you are a good woman, but somewhere in this whole business, you have lost your way. This is not about ‘endurance’ it is about ‘loss’ and its legacy: unbearable sadness for all concerned. Not just for today or tomorrow but for the rest of our lives. I bid you goodnight. (Exits)

Min Give me that. (Muriel hands over the piece of paper with Geraldine’s address on it Min tears it up). (Black)

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(Scene 36. The Listener and Muriel come onto the stage from the right and left-hand sides of the stage. They bring two chairs but neither sit down.)

Listener Thank you.

Muriel I hoped it made sense.

Listener As a narrative ‘certainly’. But I have to admit to being a little puzzled as to why you think that you failed as a wife. Muriel But the hunger strike.

Listener It seems from reading these newspaper cuttings that you visited him every day. You rallied support. Spoke to the press. Wrote to the King and anyone else you could think of. You struck out against his family and privately lobbied the IRA. Forgive me Mrs MacSwiney but I am at a loss to think of how you think that you could have possibly failed him.

Muriel Please. A moment. (Muriel indicates that she would like something out of the envelope containing the press cuttings. The Listener hands her the envelope. Muriel finds what she is looking for and hands it to the Listener). Would you mind?

Listener “I am positive he will see his task through” said the Lady Mayoress. “Of course, it is only his conviction that he is fighting for an ideal, that has enabled him to survive. I am fully reconciled to hearing of his death. His battle is mine, for it is the one I took on myself when I married him three years ago. Our lives since then have been mainly spent evading my husband's arrest or waiting to be united through his release from prison. Thus, the role I am now playing is one to which I have been long accustomed.”

Muriel My interview with Forbes Fairbarn. Associated News a few days before Terry died. Well?

Listener It sounds very contained for a young woman about to be widowed.

Muriel Exactly. All my energies went into trying to be strong. I never cried inn public. Not until the end and then… You know I didn’t go to his funeral.

Listener Yes

Muriel “Those who will endure the most will succeed”. I was part of that.

Listener As you still are. I wonder what that press release might have said if you had written it yourself.

Muriel There’s something else I need to tell you. At the beginning, when he could still speak, he told me that he was ‘sorry’ for what he was putting me through. I made a joke of it of course, said that I was seeing more of him now he was in prison than I had for years.

Listener Another example of you hiding your true feelings.

Muriel No. Another example of me saying something stupid.

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Listener Rational might be a better word.

Muriel But it was the wrong thing to say.

Listener You are being very hard on yourself Mrs MacSwiney. Don’t forget that humour is the brains way of defusing tension when it can’t or isn’t able to deal with a high level of anxiety. Personally, I cannot imagine a more anxiety ridden conversation than the one you describe. Rather than blaming yourself again, why not tell me what you would like to have said.

Muriel That it is all too much for our love to bear. Too much for a wife who loves her husband and too much for little girl who misses her father. Why didn’t I say that?

Listener Maybe you were scared of the reply.

Muriel Why do you say that?

Listener I’m a Jew Mrs MacSwiney. All I know is that, when Abraham the founder our faith tied Isaac, his son to the altar for sacrifice, that God sent an angel to stop him. (Pause). In other words, men can be misguided when it comes to religion.

Muriel It is funny but you saying that, reminds me that although Archbishop Amigo of Southwark was very kind to me, it was Cardinal Bourne of Westminster, who refused to let Terry’s body lie in his cathedral who brought me most comfort.

Listener Because he didn’t agree with what was happening?

Muriel More because I think he saw Terry as a man who had a family. Terry had a crucifix you see, which he liked to hold. It’s strange but every time I handed it to him, I thought of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. What was she thinking as she watched Her Son die?

Listener I think you probably have a better idea than most of us.

Muriel We never hear about her sadness, do we?

Listener No but let’s talk about yours?

Muriel If only instead of making a joke, I’d told Terry, how much I’d miss him. How much I loved him. Did he die thinking that I thought that his death more acceptable because I had been able to see him for every day for over ten weeks? Something I hadn’t done since 1917! How stupid can you get!

Listener It can be very hard to fight against ingrained attitudes. From my understanding Terry wasn’t the only Irish nationalist who believed that blood sacrifice was necessary for Ireland to gain her freedom.

Muriel When they buried him in his uniform I couldn’t help thinking : would his death have been easier to accept if he had been killed in battle?

Listener It would have certainly given you someone to direct your anger against.

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Muriel Do you know, what I used to hate most about going to that prison? It was how I felt when I was leaving. The guilt at the relief I felt when my ‘shift’ was over and I could I walk out of that door I was so grateful not to have to look at Terry, listen to him trying to breathe and think: ‘what if none of this makes any difference’.

Listener You mentioned that you had sought help from a psychiatrist

Muriel Indeed, there were periods in my life when I was very unwell. Why do you ask?

Listener The absence of your anger. Depression is often associated with unexpressed anger.

Muriel No medication or diagnosis. Isn’t that what you said?

Listener Indulge me. You must have discussed it at some point.

Muriel It’s strange even though I can express anger about England. Fury about the sell out that was the Anglo-Irish Treaty, rage about the country that Ireland has become. I can’t express any anger towards Terry and I don’t know what. Is that because I don’t feel it? Or because my love gets in the way? I don’t think that it matters anyway - Ireland does not allow the widows of its saints and martyrs that luxury.

Listener (Pause) Earlier, you referred to the cause of Irish freedom as ‘his mistress’.

Muriel Only in that it kept him away from Maire and I.

Listener And yet you never criticised him for it.

Muriel Why would I? Not only did we support the same cause, but the movement gave me somewhere to belong. You need to understand how much of an outsider I was in my family. The fight for Irish freedom gave me somewhere to belong. Introduce me to people whose views I shared. I cannot tell you what that meant to a young woman who grew up in isolation with parents’ hell bent on protecting her from everything and everyone.

Listener Even so, shouldn’t marriage be more than a cure for loneliness, or a repayment of a debt? Now Mrs MacSwiney I am sorry if this sounds harsh but as our time is up. But before you go would you like to know what I think?

Muriel Yes.

Listener Even though it may not be what you wanted to hear.

Muriel Please

Listener You didn’t make Terry’s death any worse for him – it was what it was. All that sorrow and heartache is what happens when people undertake a hunger fast. It is a long

painful process for anyone caught up in it. Your husband had his release nearly forty years ago and I think it is time that you had yours. This might sound harsh, but from where I stand – your husband, for whatever reason, gambled on his own life the moment he said “Alive or dead I shall be free in a month”. And you and your daughter

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were gathered in as the bet was lost. I am sorry that you had to go through this. But it has been thirty-seven years since he died. Maybe it is time that you forgave yourself.

Muriel The dedication of a chapel to him.

Listener Without wishing to be rude, I wouldn’t waste your time.

Muriel The last thing that Terry would have wanted was money wasted on that sort of memorial.

Listener And Terry’s death wasn’t what you wanted. Sadly, you couldn’t do anything to stop that and I doubt if you will be able to do anything to stop this for you will be fighting some of the same people now, as you were then. From where I stand you are both victims of history, a history which glorified Terry in his death and allowed that veneration to be an excuse for cruelty towards you and your daughter. If any memorial is needed it is one created by you which remembers your husband in all his complexities. It will be private of course because I doubt if your country could never bear the truth. Now. Unfortunately, our time is up.

Muriel I understand but before I go may I ask you one last question. What do you think, now you’ve heard my story?

Listener Just that it is sad Mrs MacSwiney. Very, very, very sad. (BLACK) THE END

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