REPUBLICANS in Dublin were deeply saddened to learn of the death on January 27 of Veteran Cumann na mBan member Kay Carey of Artane, Dublin, aged 95.

Kay Carey (neé Carroll) was born in Dublin in 1929. Her father was an Irish Republican who brought up his children to love their country and all things Irish. He taught them Irish history and loved to sing rebel songs. It was not surprising that Kay developed a love of the Irish language and culture, especially Irish music and céilí dancing.

She met her late husband Michael (Mick) Carey at a céilí in 1954. Mick was a member of the Dublin Brigade of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and also of Sinn Féin. Kay and Mick married in 1955 and had five boys.

As the nationalist population of the Occupied Six Counties came under attack in 1970, she along with Mick became members of the Liam Mellows Cumann of Sinn Féin which was based in Dublin city centre. As the war intensified Michael formed a new Sinn Féin Cumann in north Dublin, called after Vol Patrick MacAdorey from Ardoyne in Belfast who was shot dead by Crown Forces on August 9, 1971, during internment.

Kay joined Cumann na mBan. Her O/C was the late, great Peig King. She also worked with Michael and Sinn Féin in the MacAdorey Cumann. Michael became involved in bringing children from both the nationalist and unionist children from the Occupied area to the 26 Counties for holidays away from the war and Kay was very active in this work. The children were sent to Kerry and to the Fr McDyer Village in Co Donegal.

Kay became a very active in Cumann na mBan and when Peig King became Executive QM of Cumann na mBan Kay was promoted to O/C of the Dublin Craobh. She was never behind the door when action was required and was deeply respected by those who worked with her and under her as O/C.

Her boys all went on to join Na Fianna Éireann. In 1975 tragedy struck the Carey family when Michael died suddenly. He was deeply missed by all in the Republican Movement and by all who knew him. Despite the blow of Michael’s death, Kay carried on her work of the Republican Movement.

For all her long life Kay Carey remained a staunch Republican and was never led astray by those who betrayed the cause of the all-Ireland Republic for political or financial gain. In 2021 she was the Leinster Honoree at the CABHAIR Testimonial.

She said at the time: “To this day I am in touch with my comrades in Cumann na mBan. I am very proud to be a part of it.” Cumann na mBan was very proud of Kay and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Cumann na mBan and the extended Republican Movement extends deepest sympathy to Kay’s family.

I measc Laochra na bhFíníní go raibh sí.

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