The perceived insult of failing to erect a tribute to Kerry’s revolutionary women in the period of the centenary, was disclosed at Monday’s Kerry County Council meeting. A cross-party agreement to honour the significant role of women in Kerry from 1912-1923 was presented to the council in March the previous year. The proposal for an appropriate monument to be established at the county buildings in Tralee, Áras an Chontae, came from the five female council members at the time and received unanimous support from all 33 members. Despite the integral part women from Kerry played in the fight for county independence, they still lack recognition, the meeting disclosed. Since then, several meetings have taken place to advance this issue.
On Monday morning, the discussion was sparked again with the unveiling of a plaque honouring the first council members of Kerry in 1899— all men— at the council buildings by the newly appointed Cathaoirleach, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald. 2021 marks the 125th anniversary of local administration in Ireland and the formation of the county councils under the Local Government Act 1898.
Deirdre Ferris, Sinn Féin councillor and one of the initiators of the women’s memorial, affirmed that this momentous milestone and history of Kerry’s local government deserve celebration. However, 16 months have passed since the women’s motion was approved, and she believes it should have been given priority. Ferris also raised concerns that the delay meant the 1923 centenary had been overlooked.
“The council has missed a crucial opportunity to honour the women whose relentless efforts contributed to the end of colonial rule in this county,” Ferris remarked. She added, as a female council member, that she found the delay “utterly disrespectful”.
Acting county manager Angela McAllen reassured the council that the memorial will be given precedence. She confirmed that the advertisement for the Kerry Women Commemoration tender has now been approved and released.