The history of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) is marked by a mix of determination, controversy, and resilience. Among the prominent figures associated with the movement is Marian Price, a name that has consistently drawn attention for her role in some of the IRA’s most infamous actions. This article delves into Marian Price’s life, her involvement in the IRA, and whether she is still alive, shedding light on the legacy she and her sister, Dolours Price, have left behind.
Who is Marian Price?
Marian Price was born into a staunchly republican family in Belfast. Her father, Albert Price, was one of the founding members of the IRA, and her family’s commitment to the republican cause deeply influenced her upbringing. Alongside her sister Dolours Price, Marian became a pivotal figure in the Provisional IRA, a group that emerged in 1969 aiming to end British rule in Northern Ireland.
In the early 1970s, Marian and Dolours were part of a 10-member IRA team responsible for the 1973 London bombings. These attacks targeted iconic locations like the Old Bailey Courthouse and marked the Provisional IRA’s first operation on British soil. The bombings injured over 200 people and caused significant damage, leaving a lasting impact on London’s collective memory.
Marian and Dolours Price: The Hunger Strikes
After their arrest for the London bombings, Marian and Dolours Price were sentenced to life imprisonment. During their incarceration, the sisters began a hunger strike to demand repatriation to Northern Ireland. The hunger strike lasted 203 days, during which they were force-fed daily through rubber tubing—a traumatic experience that left lasting physical and psychological scars.
The hunger strike became a defining moment in Marian Price’s life, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to the republican cause. She was eventually released from prison on humanitarian grounds in 1980, having served seven years of her sentence.
Life After Prison
Following her release, Marian Price continued to advocate for Irish republicanism. Her post-prison life, however, was not without challenges. She faced numerous health issues, including tuberculosis, which she had contracted during her imprisonment, and she struggled with the psychological toll of her experiences.
Unlike her sister Dolours, who publicly voiced her disillusionment with the peace process in Northern Ireland, Marian chose to stay more private about her political stance in later years. Dolours criticized the Good Friday Agreement, feeling it failed to achieve the ultimate goal of Irish unity. Marian, however, maintained her republican identity, even as the political landscape around her evolved.
The Legacy of Dolours Price
Dolours Price passed away on January 23, 2013, at the age of 61, at her home in Dublin. Her death was attributed to undisclosed causes, and an autopsy was conducted. Dolours had remained a vocal and controversial figure until her death, often speaking about her IRA involvement and the internal conflicts within the movement. Her revelations about Gerry Adams, the Sinn Féin leader, and his alleged role in IRA operations stirred significant controversy. Adams has consistently denied any involvement with the IRA.
Dolours’ death marked the end of an era for a family that had become synonymous with the republican struggle. Her life was a blend of staunch dedication to her cause and personal struggles, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse.
Is Marian Price Still Alive?
As of the latest updates, Marian Price is still alive. Her life, however, has been relatively quiet compared to her sister’s. Marian has faced her share of health challenges and legal battles, but she continues to be a symbol of resilience within the republican community. Her current status reflects a life deeply marked by her past actions and the ongoing impact of the Northern Ireland conflict.
Conclusion
Marian Price’s life is a testament to the complexities of the Northern Ireland conflict. From her early involvement in the IRA to her time in prison and the controversies that followed, she has been both a symbol of resistance and a reminder of the human cost of political struggles. While her sister Dolours has passed away, Marian’s quiet resilience continues to be a poignant chapter in the ongoing story of Irish republicanism.
FAQs About Marian Price
1. What is Marian Price known for?
Marian Price is known for her role in the 1973 London bombings carried out by the Provisional IRA. She, along with her sister Dolours, was part of a team responsible for these high-profile attacks.
2. Did Marian Price go to prison?
Yes, Marian Price was sentenced to life imprisonment for her involvement in the London bombings. She served seven years before being released on humanitarian grounds due to her deteriorating health.
3. Is Marian Price still involved in politics?
While Marian Price has remained a republican figure, her involvement in active politics has diminished in recent years. She has maintained a relatively low profile compared to her earlier activism.
4. What happened to Dolours Price?
Dolours Price passed away in 2013 at the age of 61. Her death was surrounded by controversy due to her outspoken criticism of the Northern Ireland peace process and her allegations against Gerry Adams.
5. What is the legacy of the Price sisters?
The Price sisters are remembered for their unwavering commitment to Irish republicanism. Their actions, particularly the London bombings and their hunger strike, left a lasting mark on the history of the IRA and Northern Ireland’s conflict.