Sigma 24-105mm Lens

19 DECEMBER 2024

Anne Devlin: A Symbol of Resilience in Rathfarnham

On 25th February 2004, South Dublin County Council unveiled a statue of Anne Devlin, a key figure in the 1803 Rebellion, at the entrance to Rathfarnham Village. Positioned facing the Dublin Mountains, the statue portrays Devlin looking towards the horizon, a symbol of hope and the future.

Who was Anne Devlin?

Anne Devlin (c. 1780 – 1851) was born in Cronebeg, near Aughrim, County Wicklow. A cousin of United Irishmen leaders Michael Dwyer and Hugh Vesty Byrne, she became deeply involved in the republican movement. Despite coming from a relatively comfortable farming background, she dedicated herself to the cause of Irish freedom.

Devlin’s Role in the 1803 Rebellion

Following the failed 1798 Rebellion, Robert Emmet, a prominent leader of the United Irishmen, sought to reignite the fight for independence. He established a headquarters in a house on Butterfield Lane, Rathfarnham (then known as Butterfield Avenue), then a rural area, to prepare for a renewed uprising in 1803. Anne Devlin, though not directly Emmet’s housekeeper as is commonly believed, was indeed a very close associate, moving to this house with Emmet and his close allies to act as a housekeeper, a common way for revolutionaries to mask their activities.

Devlin’s role was far more crucial than that of a domestic servant. She acted as a trusted confidante and messenger, carrying vital communications between Emmet and other rebels. Her unwavering loyalty and courage were essential to the planning of the rebellion.

The Aftermath of the Rebellion

The 1803 Rebellion, launched on 23rd July, was a short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to overthrow British rule. Emmet was captured, tried for treason, and publicly executed on 20th September 1803 outside St. Catherine’s Church on Thomas Street, Dublin.

Anne Devlin was arrested shortly after the rising and imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol. She endured brutal interrogations, including torture, and was offered substantial sums of money to betray her comrades. Despite the horrific conditions of her confinement, which included solitary confinement and psychological torment, Devlin refused to divulge any information. She remained steadfast in her loyalty, earning her a reputation as a symbol of resilience and unwavering dedication to the cause of Irish freedom.

On the day of Emmet’s execution, Devlin was subjected to a particularly cruel act of psychological torture. She was taken from her cell and brought in a carriage to Dublin Castle for questioning. On the way, the carriage was deliberately stopped outside St. Catherine’s Church, where Emmet had been executed, and Anne was forced to witness the aftermath, including the gruesome sight of animals licking up Emmet’s blood from the paving stones. This horrific experience is documented in historical accounts and highlights the lengths to which the authorities went to break her spirit.

Life After Imprisonment and Legacy

Devlin was eventually released from Kilmainham Gaol in 1806, possibly through the intervention of Dr. William Trevor, the prison doctor, who was sympathetic to her plight. However, she was a broken woman, physically and emotionally scarred by her experiences. She married William Campbell in 1811 and they had two known children, but she lived out her remaining years in poverty, working as a washerwoman in the Liberties area of Dublin. She died in 1851 and was initially buried in a pauper’s grave. Thanks to the efforts of historian Dr. Richard Robert Madden, who recognised her significance, her remains were later reinterred in Glasnevin Cemetery, a more fitting resting place for such a significant figure.

The Rathfarnham Statue: A Contested Memorial

The decision to erect a statue of Anne Devlin in Rathfarnham, rather than one of Robert Emmet, has been a subject of some debate. Emmet is undoubtedly a more widely recognised figure, and his connection to the area is well-established. However, the choice to honour Devlin highlights her crucial role in the 1803 Rebellion and recognises her extraordinary courage and sacrifice. It also serves as a reminder of the countless unsung heroes, particularly women, who played vital roles in Ireland’s struggle for independence.

The Statue’s Location and Significance

The statue’s location at the entrance to Rathfarnham Village is significant. It stands near the site of Emmet’s former headquarters on Butterfield Lane, marking the area’s connection to this pivotal moment in Irish history. The statue is a popular point of interest for locals and visitors alike and provides an opportunity for reflection on the events of 1803 and the individuals who risked everything for their beliefs.

The Statue’s Composition and Condition

While commonly referred to as bronze, the Anne Devlin statue is actually composed of fibreglass with a bronze resin finish. This technique creates the appearance of bronze at a lower cost and weight. This choice of material likely explains the visible wear and tear observed on the statue, as fibreglass is less durable than solid bronze. The statue, now over two decades old, has been exposed to the elements and shows signs of weathering, including fading of the bronze finish. It is also worth noting that the statue has been vandalised in the past and this has caused further damage to the sculpture.

Conclusion

The Anne Devlin statue in Rathfarnham is a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman whose courage and dedication continue to inspire. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and the pursuit of freedom, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fought for a better future for Ireland. The statue’s presence in Rathfarnham enriches the village’s historical landscape and provides a focal point for remembering a crucial period in Irish history.