Strokestown in County Roscommon, Connacht, Ireland — Irish West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)
The Sharkey Sisters
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 23, 2009
1. The Sharkey Sisters Marker
Una and Lena
resided here. Leading
members of Cumann na mBan
during
War of Independence
Erected 2000 by Strokestown Community Development Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Wars, Non-US • Women.
Location. 53° 46.63′ N, 8° 6.237′ W. Marker is in Strokestown, Connacht, in County Roscommon. Marker is at the intersection of French Court (National Road 5) and Elphin Street (Local Road 368), on the left when traveling east on French Court. Marker is about 25 meters NW of the roundabout in the center of Strokestown. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dr. Dudley Forde House (within shouting distance of this marker); Strokestown Brewery (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Mahon Dower House (about 150 meters away); Percy French (approx. 10.7 kilometers away); Lanesborough / Béal Átha Liag History 500 - 1900 AD (approx. 13.8 kilometers away in Leinster); fáilte go Lanesborough (approx. 13.8 kilometers away in Leinster).
Also see . . .
1. The Irish Revolutionary Women of Cumann na mBan
this page online
2. Cumann na mBan. Wikipedia entry. “In 1913, a number of women decided to hold a meeting in Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin, for the purpose of discussing the possibility of forming an organisation for women who would work in conjunction with the recently formed Irish Volunteers. A meeting led by Kathleen Lane-O’Kelley (née Shannahan) on 2 April 1914 marked the foundation of Cumann na mBan. Branches, which pledged to the Constitution of the organization, were formed throughout the country and were directed by the Provisional Committee. The first branch was named the Ard Chraobh, which held their meetings in Brunswick Street, before and after the 1916 Easter Rising.
“The constitution of Cumann na mBan contained explicit references to the use of force by arms if necessary. At the time the Government of Ireland Bill 1914 was being debated, and might have had to be enforced in Ulster. The primary aims of the organization as stated in its constitution were to ‘advance the cause of Irish liberty and to organize Irishwomen in the furtherance of this object’, to ‘assist in arming and equipping a body of Irish men for the defence of Ireland’ and to ‘form a fund for these purposes, to be called “The Defence of Ireland Fund” ’.” (Submitted on February 15, 2010.)
Additional commentary.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 23, 2009
2. The Sharkey Sisters House and Marker
1. I am related to Lena Sharkey
I have found more information on my grandmother, Lena Sharkey in finding your site then I have in 45 years of searching for my biological family!
I am the grand daughter of Lena Sharkey. My father is her son Fursa O'Doherty. Unfortunately, I have had a long struggle to piece together this information, as I was put up for adoption in 1950 in Dublin.
I never met any of the O'Doherty family. In fact, I only met my mother once before she past away. I never met her family until I searched them out some five years after she died. As no one knew of me I wasn't contacted to let me know of her passing.
I have spent a life time trying to seek out my family. I lost track of Fursa in England, as he did not wish to correspond with me or acknowledge me as his daughter. I would love to connect with other family members, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, half sisters and half brothers.
I am so excited to read about my grandmother and my great Aunt Una, I am over the moon! I am delighted to hear about their connection to the movement.
I hope you can connect me with anyone who can put me with family, or anyone who has history of my grandmother's family. Where she was born, married etc.
It is quite my luck I stumbled upon this site, and after many years I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for this
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 23, 2009
3. The Sharkey Sisters House and Marker
Roundabout (traffic circle) to right. Looking east toward entrance to Strokestown Park Estate (trees at distant right center).
Sincerely,
Mary Harrington
Born in Dublin, February 1950, and put into St. Patrick's Guild. If you obtain a book entitled Banished Babies, you will see where I wound up.
Sent to America in 1952
Adopted in 1956 - luck of the Irish, into a great family with Tess and Jim Casey, both originally from Ireland.
Married in 1973
Two children both daughters. Carrie Ann, born 1975, and Colleen Casey, born 1977.
Anything you can help with will be a blessing.
Editor's Note: If you have information to help Mary with her search, please add commentary using the link above. Thank you. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted June 9, 2010, by Mary Harrington of Franklin, New Jersey 07416 USA.
2. Response to Mary Harrington
Mary,
I came across your comment while doing some research about Una and Lena Sharkey, my great-grandfather's cousins. My family has kept in touch with three of Lena's grandchildren and had the opportunity to visit with two of them while in Ireland last summer. If you see this comment and would like some information, please let me know.
Elizabeth Ward Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted April 7, 2012, by Elizabeth Ward of Verona, New Jersey.
3. Photographs of Sharkey sisters
Hi I just saw your article on the Sharkey sisters. I am currently working on a photo book about the women of the Irish Revolution and I was wondering would anyone have, or know where to get a photo of the sisters. I would love to put them in the book. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.
Kindest Regards, Liz Gillis
— Submitted February 26, 2014, by Liz Gillis of Dublin, Dublin.
4. looking to contact some one who posted on the marker.
Martina Farrell of Strokestown I would very much like to get in contact with you. I was wondering which of Lena Sharkey's children is your parent?
Please contact the editor to put us in contact.
I was unable to use this site for some time, and only just came upon this note from you date May 29,2013 and I am writing this on April 2, 2014 nearly a year later.
Hope you are checking the site.
Mary Harrington, Franklin, New Jersey USA Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted April 2, 2014, by Mary Harrington of Franklin, New Jersey 07416 USA.
5. Sharkey
Hi,
I am looking for my great-grandmother's family. Her name was Anne Sharkey. She married William Hanrahan & came to the US around 1902. Her parents were James & Annie Sharkey (I don't know her maiden name). I would love any information if they are from the same family. I am so excited to find family!
— Submitted August 16, 2016, by Janine Manley of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 3,931 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
