Alex Anderson

The Woman with the Gun: How a Single Photo Changed the Story of the Irish Revolution

The iconic photograph of an armed woman from the IRA, taken by photographer Colman Doyle in Belfast during the 1970s, has become one of the most recognisable symbols of the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland. Much more than just a visual record, this image encapsulates the complexities of the conflict, the involvement of women in armed struggle, and how photography can shape historical and cultural narratives. Analyzing the context, impact, and legacy of this image allows us to understand not only the role of women in the IRA but also how a single photograph can transform perceptions of gender, resistance, and politics.