Cumann na mBan, circa 1920s-1936, undated
Scope and Contents
This collection contains materials collected by Loretta Clarke Murray relating to the fight for Irish Independence, particularly materials belonging to women who fought for the cause. Included are materials by and about Cumann na mBan, Máire Gill, Maud Gonne, Countess Constance Markievicz, Helena Molony, Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, and Margaret Skinnider in the form of correspondence, photographs, meeting minutes, autograph books of female prisoners, and handbills. Of note are an embroidered banner made by Gonne and a journal chronicling Skinnider’s participation in the 1916 Easter Rising.
Other materials are related to the women’s personal and artistic pursuits. Materials from Cuala Industries, from both the printing and embroidery departments, are included. Gill’s papers include photographs, correspondence, and other materials relevant to her involvement with camogie, as well as her work as a printer for Cuala Press. The collection also contains photographs and articles about Elizabeth Corbet Yeats’ management of Cuala Industries and watercolor landscapes by Yeats. Irish arts are further documented through jewelry, including Tara-inspired brooches worn by Inghinidhe na hÉireann members, etchings by Estella Frances Solomons, and a watercolor by Michael MacLiammoir inspired by a W.B. Yeats poem.
Bean na hÉireann: Monthly magazine published by the organization Inghinidhe na hÉireann.
Cumann na mBan: League of Women; An Irish republican women's organization.
Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael: The name of the Camogie Association from 1939 until 2010.
Cumann na Saoirse: The League for Freedom; The women’s organization created after Cumann na mBan split.
Dáil Éireann: Assembly of Ireland; The parliament of the Irish Republic from 1919 to 1922.
Inghinidhe na hÉireann: An Irish republican women’s organization founded by Maud Gonne and later merged with Cumann na mBan.
Sinn Féin: Irish republican political party.
Dates
- Creation: circa 1920s-1936, undated
Creator
- From the Collection: Murray, Loretta Clarke (Died 2017 April 10) (Collector, Person)
- From the Collection: Cuala Press (Organization)
- From the Collection: Cumann na mBan (Organization)
- From the Collection: Gill, Maire, 1891-1977 (Person)
- From the Collection: Gonne, Maud, 1866-1953 (Person)
- From the Collection: Markievicz, Constance de, 1868-1927 (Person)
- From the Collection: Molony, Helena, 1883-1967 (Person)
- From the Collection: Sheehy-Skeffington, Hanna (1877-1946) (Person)
- From the Collection: Skinnider, Margaret, 1892-1971 (Person)
- From the Collection: Yeats, Elizabeth Corbet, 1868-1940 (Person)
Language of Materials
This collection includes materials in English, French, and Irish.
Access Note
Collection is open for research; portions of the collection available digitally.
Historical note
Cumann na mBan, which is Irish for “League of Women,” was formed in 1914 in Dublin as a support group to the Irish Volunteer Force. Among its responsibilities, the organization worked toward arming the men and creating propaganda to support the cause of Irish independence. During the 1916 Easter Rising, many members played a role in the rebellion, though those roles were mostly non-combatant and included performing first aid, gathering intelligence, and transporting arms. Over seventy women from Cumann na mBan were arrested for their participation in the Easter Rising, and most were released shortly after.
After the Rising, the organization was led by Countess Constance Markievicz. Members continued to support the cause for independence by organizing prisoner relief agencies, playing an active role in the Irish War of Independence, and producing a militant nationalist newspaper, the Irish Bulletin.
In 1922, when leaders of the group rejected the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the organization was split and Cumann na Saoirse (Free State Cumann na mBan) was formed.
Sources
"History - 1916 Easter Rising - Profiles - Cumann Na MBan." BBC. Accessed June 27, 2018. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/profiles/po13.shtml.
McCarthy, Cal. Cumann Na MBan and the Irish Revolution. Revised ed. Collins Press, 2014.
Full Extent
2.0 Linear Feet (4 containers)
Repository Details
Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 USA
617-552-4861
burns@bc.libanswers.com