Exhibition – Kathleen Kingston

I discovered the story of Kathleen Kingston—a woman from Birr whose start in life mirrored mine in many ways.  I began investigating her story, thinking that no family left in her hometown meant there was no family left.  How wrong I was, in my research I discovered a girl I went to school with, worked with her grandson and that he was very happy to share their family history and for me to tell their story.

It was an honour to open the exhibition with Cathal Brugha, Kathleen’s grand-nephew, and welcome her family to view my tribute to a remarkable woman of strength from my hometown. 

Meet Caitlin Brugha (Kathleen Kingston) – A woman of strength, spirit, and style.

Born Catherine Mary in Birr, she grew up over her family’s long-standing shop and beside the Maid of Erin monument. Schooled in Roscrea with the Sacred Heart nuns, she returned to Birr, but her heart followed Ireland’s growing Celtic revival. At Irish language classes on Green Street, she met Cathal Brugha—future revolutionary and husband.

While her exact role in the Rising is unknown, Caitlin joined Cumann na mBan and stood firmly in the republican movement. After Cathal Brugha’s death in 1922, she stood for his Dáil seat and won two elections (refusing her seat and salary), she raised their six children alone and built a thriving men’s fashion business in Dublin.

Her legacy? A life of resilience, cultural pride, and defiance – a story worth telling.