The Disney+ series Say Nothing vividly portrays the compelling and tragic lives of Dolours and Marian Price. These two sisters significantly impacted Northern Ireland’s history through their involvement with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Troubles. Their transformation from peaceful demonstrators to key IRA figures is a powerful narrative of radical politics, profound personal sacrifice, and the enduring consequences of violence.
A Childhood Steeped in Republicanism
Dolours and Marian Price were raised within a family deeply committed to republican ideals. Their upbringing involved constant exposure to stories of the Irish republican struggle. This deeply ingrained heritage inspired both sisters to participate in the movement for a unified Ireland actively. Initially, they engaged in peaceful protests with the People’s Democracy movement in 1969. However, the violent ambush they endured at Burntollet Bridge dramatically shifted their approach toward more radical action. This pivotal event marked the beginning of their profound involvement with the IRA, an association that would ultimately define their lives.
Embracing the IRA’s Ranks
Dolours and Marian refused to accept traditional gender roles within the IRA. Despite being offered positions in Cumann na mBan, the IRA’s female auxiliary wing, they declined. Instead, they insisted on full membership, a demand that was eventually granted. This made Dolours one of the first women to achieve full member status within the organization. Their insistence on equal participation stemmed from their desire for equitable involvement in the fight for a united Ireland. Pragmatically, with numerous men being arrested or interned, their full participation also filled crucial gaps within the IRA’s ranks.
Leading Roles in Acts of Terrorism
In 1973, Dolours and Marian Price spearheaded a significant mission in London. They planted bombs at strategically symbolic locations, including the Old Bailey Courthouse. This action formed part of their strategy to deliver a powerful shock to the core of British authority. The bombing campaign resulted in injuries to over 200 people. Shortly after, the sisters were apprehended at Heathrow Airport. They received 20-year prison sentences, initiating their harsh treatment as political prisoners.
The Hunger Strike: A Defining Act of Resistance
While incarcerated in Brixton Prison, the Price sisters engaged in a hunger strike. They refused to eat to demand their transfer to a prison in Northern Ireland. At that time, they were among the most prominent IRA prisoners. Their protest echoed the sacrifices of earlier republicans who employed hunger strikes as a form of resistance. The Price sisters’ was straightforward: recognition as political prisoners, not common criminals. Their hunger strike lasted for over 200 days, ultimately leading to their transfer to Armagh Prison in Northern Ireland.
Enduring Influence and Complex Legacy
Following their release from prison, the Price sisters pursued divergent paths. Dolours remained particularly outspoken against the Good Friday Agreement. She viewed it as a betrayal of the core republican ideals. Both sisters continued to voice their criticism of those they believed had compromised their principles for political expediency. Dolours passed away in 2013 at the age of 62 due to a combination of antidepressants and sedatives. Marian Price, in contrast, largely remained out of the public spotlight, though she also maintained her critical stance against the political establishment.
The Price Sisters and Jean McConville’s Disappearance
An exceptionally dark and controversial aspect of the Price sisters’ history involves the disappearance of Jean McConville. McConville, a mother of ten, was abducted and killed by the IRA in 1972. While both Dolours and Marian denied direct involvement in her death, Say Nothing suggests their potential role in transporting McConville to her execution. The series explores the profound psychological and moral conflicts they faced during the Troubles. Dolours herself admitted that they were haunted by the “Disappeared,” the victims of the IRA’s brutal methods. These actions continue to fuel intense debates regarding the ethical dimensions of their cause and the heavy toll of their choices.
A Tangled Relationship with Gerry Adams
Gerry Adams, a significant leader within Sinn Féin and the IRA, played a notable role in the Price sisters’ narrative. Dolours publicly identified Adams as her commanding officer within the IRA. However, Adams has consistently denied any involvement with the organization. This intricate relationship, depicted in the series, illuminates the internal dynamics and power struggles within the IRA. The Price sisters’ interactions with Adams, coupled with their subsequent disillusionment following the peace process, serve as a poignant reflection on the profound costs of revolutionary politics.
Marian and Dolours Price: Beyond the Label of ‘Terror’
The British media often labeled Dolours and Marian Price as “The Sisters of Terror.” This portrayal solidified their image as two of the most infamous figures of the Troubles. However, as Say Nothing reveals, their lives encompassed more than just their radical political actions. They were also deeply affected by the personal consequences of their choices, including loss, regret, and the persistent trauma of violence. The Say Nothing series delves into the multifaceted nature of their characters, revealing the human suffering that lay beneath their revolutionary fervor.
The Price sisters’ journey, from youthful idealism to the harsh realities of conflict and imprisonment, offers a profound insight into the IRA’s world during a deeply turbulent era in Irish history. Their story transcends simple categorizations of heroism or villainy. Instead, it portrays individuals entangled in the complex web of historical forces, unwavering ideological convictions, and profound personal tragedy.