John Dowds

Remembering Betsy Gray John Dowds

Remembering Betsy Gray is set in Ireland during 1795-98 and follows the journey of a young Irish woman who dreamt it was possible for the people of her beloved country to overcome centuries of sectarian hatred and build a new society in which everyone lived in peace and harmony no matter what their religion. Throughout the eighteenth-century political, judicial and financial power in Ireland lay in the hands of a few elite, rich, landowning Anglican aristocrats who controlled the election of the Members of Parliament of the Irish government notorious for corruption and self-interest. Convinced her quest for reform was just, Betsy joined thousands of fellow United Irishmen in June 1798 and marched into battle against the British army. Betsy fought valiantly leaving her idealism and bravery to linger on in Irish folklore.