Rose Dugdale, an English heiress who joined the IRA at the height of the Troubles, has died at the age of 83.
Remembered by members of Sinn Féin as a “comrade and friend”, Ms Dugdale was known for her participation in the Russborough House art theft in 1974.
Ms Dugdale had grown up in a wealthy household in England, and her father worked as an underwriter for Lloyds of London. While studying at Oxford, she grew interested in politics and the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland.
The infamous robbery saw art valued at £8m stolen from Conservative MP Sir Alfred Beit, including paintings by Vermeer and Goya, and the IRA had planned to exchange the paintings for the release of prisoners. The works were later discovered in Cork.
She was jailed for nine years for the art theft and the hijacking of a helicopter. She married fellow republican Eddie Gallagher, and gave birth to a son while in prison. Their wedding was the first in the history of the State of two serving prisoners and was held amid tight security.
Mr Gallagher was later involved in the kidnapping of Dutch businessman Tiede Herrema in Limerick in a bid to have her released.
Following her release from prison, she worked in adult education and lived in Dublin.
A film about her life, named Baltimore, will be released in just a few days’ time. She was also featured in a documentary series on TG4 on women in the IRA, called Mná an Ira.
Tributes were paid to Ms Dugdale by Sinn Féin politicians.
Dublin city councillor Daithí Doolan said: “She was a true revolutionary who inspired others. She dedicated her life to Irish freedom.
“Our thoughts are with her friends and family. I hope the memories give you some comfort at this sad time.”
Dublin Mid West TD Mark Ward said: “Very saddened to hear of the passing of my old teacher Dr Rose Dugdale. I still have the postcard Rose sent me after I first got elected in 2019 when she was still telling me to go further and reach my full potential.”
Former MEP Martina Anderson said: “Rose taught me a lot and I will never forget her. Proud to call Rose a comrade and friend.”
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