Introduction
The image flashes: two young women, gaunt and pale, their eyes hollowed by hunger. This is how the world came to know Marian and Dolours Price, the Price Sisters, emblems of unwavering dedication to Irish Republicanism during the tumultuous era known as the Troubles. Their story is one of unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and ultimately, controversy, a potent reminder of the complex and often brutal realities of political conflict. This article delves into the lives of the Price Sisters, exploring their journey to radicalization, their intense involvement with the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), the severe consequences they endured, and the intricate legacy they left on the tapestry of Irish history. The Price Sisters’ fervent commitment to Irish Republicanism, demonstrated through their involvement with the IRA and subsequent acts of protest, continues to elicit debate and discussion regarding the morality and effectiveness of armed struggle, shaping the understanding of Irish Republicanism and the Troubles of the nineteen seventies.
The Seeds of Republicanism: Early Lives and Radicalization
Born into a family with a history of republican activism, Marian and Dolours Price were steeped in the narrative of Irish nationalism from a young age. The environment they inhabited was a breeding ground for political discontent, where the decades-old division between unionists and nationalists simmered and frequently erupted into violence. The Troubles, a period of intense sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland, were the backdrop to their formative years. This constant state of unrest, marked by bombings, shootings, and widespread discrimination, undoubtedly influenced their burgeoning political consciousness.
Their grandfather, a veteran of the Irish War of Independence, instilled in them a deep sense of national pride and a belief in the inherent right of the Irish people to self-determination. The legacy of the Easter Rising and the subsequent fight for independence resonated deeply within them, shaping their understanding of Irish history and the ongoing struggle for national liberation.
As the conflict escalated, Marian and Dolours became increasingly involved in republican circles. They witnessed firsthand the injustices and hardships faced by the nationalist community, solidifying their belief that radical action was necessary to achieve political change. Fuelled by a potent mix of idealism, anger, and a desire for justice, they ultimately made the fateful decision to join the Provisional IRA. Initially, their roles were primarily supportive, involving tasks such as intelligence gathering, transporting materials, and providing safe houses for IRA volunteers. However, their commitment and willingness to take risks soon led them to more prominent and dangerous assignments. Their devotion to the cause was absolute, shaping every aspect of their lives.
The London Bombing: An Act of Defiance and its Aftermath
The nineteen seventy-three bombing of the Old Bailey in London marked a turning point in the lives of the Price Sisters and thrust them into the international spotlight. The decision to target the heart of the British legal system was a calculated act of defiance, intended to highlight the IRA’s presence and the perceived injustices of British rule in Northern Ireland. Marian and Dolours, along with other members of the IRA, meticulously planned and executed the bombing, planting car bombs outside the courthouse.
The explosions caused widespread damage and injured over two hundred people, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of political violence. Following the bombing, the Price Sisters were apprehended along with other members of the unit. Their arrest and subsequent trial generated immense media attention, further solidifying their image as defiant figures in the Irish Republican movement. The London bombing became a symbol of their commitment, a line crossed that signified the depth of their resolve.
Prison, Protest, and Pain: The Hunger Strike
Imprisoned in England, Marian and Dolours Price immediately began campaigning for repatriation to a prison in Northern Ireland. Believing they were political prisoners, not common criminals, they demanded to be treated as such, entitled to the rights and privileges afforded to those fighting for a political cause. When their demands were refused, they embarked on a hunger strike, a desperate act of protest intended to draw attention to their plight and pressure the British government to concede.
The hunger strike lasted for over two hundred days, pushing their bodies to the brink of collapse. The British authorities responded with forced feeding, a controversial and brutal practice that involved inserting tubes into their noses and stomachs to administer nutrients against their will. This agonizing procedure was deeply traumatic and had long-lasting effects on their physical and psychological health.
The hunger strike of the Price Sisters became a cause célèbre, igniting protests and demonstrations in Ireland and around the world. Supporters rallied to their cause, demanding their release and highlighting the inhumane treatment they were subjected to. The British government, however, remained resolute, determined not to yield to what they perceived as terrorist demands. The hunger strike ultimately ended when the sisters’ physical condition deteriorated to the point where they were near death, highlighting the extremes to which individuals were willing to go for their beliefs.
Life After Imprisonment: Continued Activism and Personal Struggles
Following their release from prison in the late nineteen seventies, the Price Sisters continued to be involved in Irish Republican circles, albeit in a less direct and overt manner. The years of imprisonment and the trauma of the hunger strike had taken a toll on their health, both physical and mental. Despite these challenges, they remained committed to the ideals of Irish unity and self-determination.
Dolours Price, in particular, became a vocal critic of the direction of the Republican movement, expressing disillusionment with the violence and the failure to achieve its political objectives. She remained a controversial figure, unafraid to speak her mind and challenge the established narratives. Both sisters faced personal struggles in the years following their release, grappling with the long-term effects of their experiences. They battled with PTSD, depression, and other health issues related to their imprisonment and hunger strike.
They also struggled to reintegrate into mainstream society, facing prejudice and discrimination due to their past involvement in the IRA. Despite these hardships, they continued to be seen as symbols of resistance and defiance by many in the nationalist community. They provided assistance to former prisoners and their families, offering support and understanding based on their own experiences. Their involvement with the Republican cause continued, albeit in a more nuanced form, even as they battled their personal demons.
A Divisive Legacy: Heroines or Terrorists?
The legacy of the Price Sisters remains highly contested. For some, particularly within Republican circles, they are revered as heroines and martyrs, individuals who sacrificed their lives and well-being for the cause of Irish freedom. They are seen as symbols of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their beliefs. Their willingness to endure immense suffering in pursuit of their political goals is often cited as an example of their extraordinary dedication.
However, for others, they are viewed as terrorists and criminals, responsible for acts of violence that caused death and injury to innocent civilians. Their involvement in the London bombing, in particular, is seen as an act of barbarism that cannot be justified. Critics argue that their actions only served to perpetuate the cycle of violence and hatred that plagued Northern Ireland for decades. Their legacy is undeniably complex, provoking strong emotions and conflicting interpretations.
The Boston College Tapes and Conflicting Narratives
The Boston College tapes project, an oral history archive featuring interviews with former paramilitaries from both sides of the conflict, further complicated the legacy of the Price Sisters, particularly Dolours. Her candid admissions about IRA activities, including her own alleged involvement in the murder of civilians, sparked widespread controversy and led to legal battles over the release of the tapes. These revelations challenged existing narratives about the Troubles and raised uncomfortable questions about the nature of political violence and the search for truth and reconciliation. The existence of the tapes and their subsequent release served to deepen the divisions and reopened old wounds, highlighting the challenges of coming to terms with the past.
Enduring Questions: Morality, Memory, and the Troubles
The story of the Price Sisters raises fundamental questions about the morality of violence in pursuit of political goals, the impact of political conflict on individuals and societies, and the challenges of achieving lasting peace and reconciliation. Their lives serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the Troubles and the enduring legacy of division and trauma that continues to shape Northern Ireland today. The Price Sisters’ story prompts us to examine the fine lines between freedom fighter and terrorist, between justifiable resistance and unacceptable brutality.
The Price Sisters’ legacy compels us to consider the impact of political conviction on personal lives. How far are individuals willing to go for their beliefs? What are the long-term consequences of political violence on both perpetrators and victims? These questions remain relevant today, as societies around the world grapple with issues of conflict, identity, and political activism. The story of the Price Sisters is a complex and challenging one, but it is also an essential one for understanding the history of Irish Republicanism and the Troubles. Their story continues to provoke debate and discussion, ensuring that the memories of those turbulent times are never forgotten. The Price Sisters’ unwavering commitment to their ideals, their resilience in the face of adversity, and the complex and controversial nature of their actions make their story a crucial and enduring part of Irish history.
The complex legacy of Marian and Dolours Price remains a touchstone in understanding the enduring complexities of Irish identity and the long shadow cast by the Troubles.
