Máirín de Burca at 87: 'Maybe neglect stood to me'

Neglected as a child, radicalised as a young woman, Máirín de Burca founded the Irish Women's Liberation Movement, leading to huge social change 

Máirín de Burca set about founding the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement (IWLM). Pretty much every reform in women’s favour in Ireland has flowed from that decision.

Unwittingly, the law did us all a favour when its officers arrested Máirín de Burca and chucked her into Mountjoy. It was while she was inside, she thought: I am out every week protesting for civil rights, an end to apartheid, an end to the war in Vietnam, what about rights for women?

What indeed?