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Striking Back: The Untold Story of an Anti-Apartheid Striker
Dunnes Stores cashier Mary Manning knew little about apartheid when, at the age of twenty-one, she refused to register the sale of two Outspan South African grapefruits under a directive from her union. She was suspended and nine of her co-workers walked out in support. They all assumed they would shortly return to work.
But theirs were kindling voices, on the cusp of igniting a mass movement they couldn’t even imagine. Despite harassment from the Gardaí and disparagement from the Irish government and even the Catholic Church, they refused to be silenced. Within months they were embroiled in a dispute that captured the world’s attention.
In this searing account, Mary tells the extraordinary story of their public fight for justice, as well as her emotive journey of discovery into her family’s past. Mary’s mother had been forced to carry a secret burden of shame for her whole life by the same oppressive establishment Mary was fighting.
'Striking Back' is a provocative and inspiring story that epitomises the resilience of hope and the human spirit, even under the most formidable of circumstances. It shows that each of us has the power to change the world.
But theirs were kindling voices, on the cusp of igniting a mass movement they couldn’t even imagine. Despite harassment from the Gardaí and disparagement from the Irish government and even the Catholic Church, they refused to be silenced. Within months they were embroiled in a dispute that captured the world’s attention.
In this searing account, Mary tells the extraordinary story of their public fight for justice, as well as her emotive journey of discovery into her family’s past. Mary’s mother had been forced to carry a secret burden of shame for her whole life by the same oppressive establishment Mary was fighting.
'Striking Back' is a provocative and inspiring story that epitomises the resilience of hope and the human spirit, even under the most formidable of circumstances. It shows that each of us has the power to change the world.
- GenresNonfictionIreland
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2017
8 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Mary Manning
1 bookA lifelong reader, Mary started with Enid Blyton, progressing to Jane Austen. After school, she took an ANCO – (now FAS,) course in office work, then spent 10 months working in an office in Jordan Street. She went from there to Dunnes Stores.
In 1984, obeying a union directive, Mary refused to register the sale of South African grapefruit, and was suspended. Agreeing that she’d been right to stand up to apartheid, nine co-workers walked out in support, and the dispute escalated into a mass movement.
“I hadn’t been political, but the suspension pushed me into public speaking.”
Unable to secure another job, in 1988, Mary emigrated to Australia staying there for five years, working in offices until her name had been forgotten by potential employers, who associated her with the anti-establishment label.
Now living in Dublin, she has given talks throughout Ireland, as well as in London, New York and Washington. She has two daughters.
In 1984, obeying a union directive, Mary refused to register the sale of South African grapefruit, and was suspended. Agreeing that she’d been right to stand up to apartheid, nine co-workers walked out in support, and the dispute escalated into a mass movement.
“I hadn’t been political, but the suspension pushed me into public speaking.”
Unable to secure another job, in 1988, Mary emigrated to Australia staying there for five years, working in offices until her name had been forgotten by potential employers, who associated her with the anti-establishment label.
Now living in Dublin, she has given talks throughout Ireland, as well as in London, New York and Washington. She has two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 30, 2026
it's an amazing story in itself of how one little action can cause ripple and ruptures through oppression. it helps that it's beautifully written.
I didn't know the whole story before reading this and the passion, power, and emotion really shine though.
I didn't know the whole story before reading this and the passion, power, and emotion really shine though.
December 29, 2018
this is fabulous
March 6, 2022
One of my favourite ever reads. The familiar villains of Irish non-fiction pop up, and it's amazing to think how young Mary Manning was when she stood up to all of them. Incredible story.
November 29, 2025
an absolute brilliant read
A story forgotten in Irish history. Deserves to be told to every one in the country and anywhere in the world for that matter.
A story forgotten in Irish history. Deserves to be told to every one in the country and anywhere in the world for that matter.
January 28, 2018
A book every Irish person should read! So nicely written and easy to follow. A great story written 30 years later by an amazing woman. Fair play to you Mary Manning and the rest of the striking Dunnes Stores workers. In today's world of social media and instant validation, this story is so inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews