About the Maud Gonne Society

The Maud Gonne Society, founded by author Orna Ross, is a dynamic coalition of artists, historians, and activists dedicated to reclaiming the legacy of one of Ireland’s most formidable founding figures.

For over a century, history has structurally narrowed Maud Gonne’s grand life down to a singular, passive title: W.B. Yeats’s romantic muse. We are here to adjust that lens.

Born of a radical social conscience, Maud Gonne spent six decades fighting at the front lines of Irish independence, championing human rights, and speaking out for the most vulnerable—particularly women, children, and political prisoners. From founding Inghinidhe na hÉireann (Daughters of Ireland) to organizing major relief movements, she was a pioneering activist, an unyielding freelance political organizer, and a cultural force in the Irish Literary Renaissance.

Through literature, a commemorative statue campaign, and community engagement, the Society exists to ensure that her radical spirit, complex politics, and immense achievements are permanently woven back into Ireland's national story.

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Newsletter: How we'll keep in touch

The Society publishes its quarterly newsletter through Substack. It is separate from this website, and requires a second, one-step sign-up from you. We have chosen it despite this inconvenience, as it’s the best platform for growing awareness for our campaign. 

If Substack is new to you, here is what you need to know:

It’s a one-step sign up. There's no password to set if you’d rather not: Substack emails you a secure sign-in link if you want to log in but you can read without logging in if you prefer.

Once subscribed, each issue arrives in your inbox like an ordinary email and every past issue is kept in an open archive you can browse at your leisure.

You can also read it on the web or, if you download their App, on your phone. If you are reading online, beneath each piece there's space to comment and talk with fellow members. And there is also a community chat. 

That’s why we’re using Substack, which has a mission of being a new online 'engine for culture,’ bypassing traditional media. It is, in effect, a newsletter and a blog, and a community--all rolled into one. 

We believe it will bring us closer together as a community of readers and writers, artists and academics, descendents and fans of the inspirational activist. We  look forward to meeting you there.

PS: Substack may also send you occasional emails of its own—suggestions of other publications, news of its features—which have nothing to do with us. You can turn those off in your settings. And of course you can unsubscribe from our newsletter any time using the Unsubscribe button at the end of each email.

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About Maud Gonne

Most people know Maud Gonne from the poetry she inspired in Ireland’s national poet, WB Yeats, but Gonne was muse to many others too.

Politically radicalised aged 19 by  a heartless eviction, Maud Gonne devoted herself for six decades to speaking for the voiceless, fighting injustice, and championing true freedom for the Irish people, particularly women, children, and prisoners.

She also participated in the Irish literary renaissance as artist, writer, performer, and patron.

And was a philanthropist to a wide variety of causes, from the United Irishman nationalist newspaper to theatre performances through the women’s group she founded, Inghinidhe na hEireann (Daughters of Ireland).

A muse to many and in every sense of the word. 

Our society is dedicated to ensuring that her legacy lives on in Ireland and around the world.

Chronology of Maud Gonne's Life

Orna Ross, Founder of the Maud Gonne Society

"Gonne was no straightforward s/hero. She has attracted widespread adulation and admiration, especially from women, and widespread criticism and suspicion, especially from men. She not only understood the connections and tensions between national and female suppression, she embodied them in her life. And she translated that understanding into meaningful protests, both symbolic and practical. I have been writing about her for more than two decades and I still find new angles to this compelling and complex woman."

MAUD GONNE'S ACHIEVEMENTS