1919 - 28, October 1976

Born Mary McAteer in Killeen in So Armagh, she moved to Liverpool at 16 to find work. Joined Gaelic League and became involved with Sinn Fein when she returned to Ireland, eventually settling in Belfast. Already involved in the politics of the day, she became immediately immersed in the civil Rights actions which were occurring in the 60's and was instrumental in helping to find shelter and supplies for the refugees who came into West Belfast in 1969. She became an outspoken voice for Republican women and was immediately 'marked' by the british government. She was eventually killed by two murderers dressed as doctors while she lay in her hospital bed recovering from surgery. It was two loyalist gunmen who killed her, but the fact they were able to do this despite the hospital security has led to many suspicions that it was yet another example of collusion between state security forces and the loyalist community.