Directed and edited by Marcus Howard, independent film maker. Constance and Clare Cowley recount the story of their relative Molly O’Reilly, who hoisted the flag at Liberty Hall before the 1916 Easter Rising at the request of James Connolly. Molly was also involved in spying for Michael Collins after 1916 as well as being one of the first female hunger strikers in 1923. Constance and Clare also give their thoughts on how 2016, the 100th anniversary of the Rising, should be commemorated. At the Easter 2015 celebrations, Constance Cowley was present at the hoisting of the flag outside Liberty Hall organised by the Dublin North Inner City Folklore Project. The event was filmed by her daughter Clare and Marcus.
She was very influenced by conditions of poverty in Dublin. She assisted those involved in the 1913 Lock Out and assisted in the soup kitchen in Liberty Hall including Countess Markievicz (photo above).
She was deeply influenced by the writings of James Connolly and hid numerous weapons in her home after the Howth gun running in 1914. During Easter week she carried despatches around Dublin which was dangerous work.
After the Rising she went to the UK to study nursing, then returning to Dublin 3 years later for the War of Independence. As an employee of the United Services Club in St Stephens Green, Dublin, which was a club for British soldiers, she was able to provide Michael Collins, the IRA’s Director of Intelligence, with invaluable information until the Truce.
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