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As part of the Decade of Centenaries programme, a series of events will take place next week to mark the centenary of the foundation of Cumann na mBan.

Cumann na mBan was formed in Dublin on April 2nd, 1914, as a women's nationalist organisation which would work alongside the Irish Volunteers formed in 1913. The aims of Cumann na mBan (the Irish Women's Council), as set out at the time in membership booklets, were:

1. To advance the cause of Irish liberty

2. To organise Irishwomen in furtherance of this object

3. To assist in arming and equipping a body of Irishmen for the defence of Ireland

4. To form a fund for these purposes to be called "The Defence of Ireland Funds"

A range of events will take place over a four day period from April 2nd to mark the Centenary of the Foundation of Cumann na mBan. Underpinning the commemorative programme is a commemoration ceremony at Glasnevin Cemetery, led by President Micheal D. Higgins accompanied by Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

A Memorial Lecture in honour of the foundation of Cumann na mBan will be delivered by Dr. Mary McAuliffe President of the Women's History Association of Ireland (WHAI) following the Commemoration ceremony.

Events will also take place at Wynn's Hotel, Dublin 1, the venue for the inaugural meeting of Cumann na mBan.

To close the programme of events, a major academic conference will take place at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin. This event is supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht in association with University College Dublin and the Mater Dei Institute of Education (DCU).

Minister Deenihan commented:

"The role of women in the momentous events leading up to the Easter Rising of 1916 is often overlooked. However, women were a huge force behind the historic developments that took place in Ireland from 1912 to the foundation of the Irish Free State.

"The foundation of Cumann na mBan was an decisive moment. The organisation, which within 6 months had 60 branches across Ireland, is associated with many of the leading female figures of the time. During the Rising, members of Cumann na mBan - who were drawn from all walks of life - risked life and limb to travel throughout Dublin delivering messages, food, and medical supplies. A number of members also took an active part in the fighting.

"As we approach this important point in our history, I am pleased that a number of commemorative events will take place as part of the Decade of Centenaries. I would encourage members of the public to attend events and to reflect on the contribution made by Cumann na mBan to our collective history."

Further details on each of the events listed is below.

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Schedule of Events

Wednesday, April 2nd

10.30am - A wreath will be laid at the grave of prominent Cumann na mBan member, Elizabeth O'Farrell, at Glasnevin Cemetery, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, by Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

11.30am - A Commemoration ceremony to mark the Centenary of the Foundation of Cumann na mBan will then take place at Glasnevin Cemetery. The ceremony, which will be led by the President, Michael D. Higgins accompanied by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, will include the laying of a wreath by the President as well as selected readings and music resonant of the historical period.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony and should be in position in the public viewing areas at Glasnevin Cemetery no later than 11.00am.

Following the State Commemoration - When the Presidential commemoration ceremony has concluded, invited guests will proceed to the Glasnevin Milestone Gallery at Glasnevin Museum for a brief address from President Higgins, followed by a Memorial Lecture in honour of the foundation of Cumann na mBan, delivered by Dr. Mary McAuliffe, President of the Women's History Association of Ireland (WHAI). Owing to space constraints at the venue, these proceedings will be relayed by public address system.

Thursday, April 3rd

7pm - A plaque will be unveiled by Minister Deenihan at Wynn’s Hotel, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Wynn’s Hotel was the venue for the inaugural meeting of Cumann na mBan.

Friday, April 4th and Saturday April 5th

12.00 - A major conference exploring the foundation, work and legacy of Cumann na mBan will be held by the Women’s History Association of Ireland at the National Museum, Collins Barracks, Dublin. Supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht - in association with University College Dublin and the Mater Dei Institute of Education (DCU) - the conference is free to attend but a place must be reserved in advance.

Keynote speakers include Dr Margaret Ward (author of Unmanageable Revolutionaries: Women and Irish Nationalism), Dr Marie Coleman (author, The Irish Revolution, 1916-1923), Dr John Borgonovo (author, The Dynamics of War and Revolution: Cork City, 1916-1918) and Dr Joost Augusteijn (author, The Irish Revolution, 1913-1923). There will also be papers from many eminent national and international scholars.

Further details are available at

Series of Images available:

Image 1: Handbill issued to advertise an anti-conscription meeting held in Dublin’s Mansion House. Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.

Image 2: Handbill issued by Cumann na mBan, discouraging Irish women from associating with Irish men who serve in the English army. Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.

Image 3: Cumann na mBan pamphlet outlining policy for 1920-21. Text in Irish and English. Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.

Image 4: Proclamation by British Government through Ireland’s Lord Lieutenant in 1919, John Denton Pinkstone French, highlighting to citizens of County Clare, those nationalistic organisations that they consider dangerous to the public and that they now outlaw these organisations’ activities in the County of Clare. Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.

Image 5: A membership booklet for Cumann na mBan containing a list of their objectives and constitution. Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.