Kathleen Talty, one of several Portrait paintings of Women who lived during Irelands' War of Independence and Civil War. Educational resource by artist Marie Connole

Kathleen Talty

KATHLEEN TALTY (1883-1972)

While working as a teacher in Manchester, Kathleen Talty played a pivotal role in the escape of Irish prisoners from British jails.

This portrait depicts her involvement in the escape of Éamon de Valera (later Irish President), Seán Milroy and Seán McGarry from Lincoln Jail. The story is referenced through rail tickets, postcards and the keys she smuggled in.

Kathleen later recalled ‘they were exciting days, the days of the Freedom Fight. It was an adventure in which we all played a part’.

Oil on canvas.
60 X 50 cm