Cumann na mBan

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President attends Cumann na mBan commemoration at Glasnevin Cemetery

There was an all-female honour guard at Glasnevin this morning


Wreaths were laid at the grave of Cumann na mBan member Elizabeth O'Farrell


Uniformed Cumann na mBan members stand guard over Cathal Brugha

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to the central role Irish women have played in Irish history.

He was speaking at an event to commemorate the foundation of Cumann na mBan 100 years ago.

Cumann na mBan was set up in Wynn's Hotel in Dublin on 2 April 1914.

Mr Higgins said that there was still a long way to go to achieve full equality for men and women, particularly at levels of representation in public life.

Speaking at the State Ceremony to mark the centenary of the foundation of the organisation at Glasnevin cemetery, he said women had suffered more than most in Irish history, and yet he said their stories and their voices were often silenced.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan also took part in a commemoration ceremony to mark the day, along with members of the Defence Forces.

A wreath was laid at the grave of Elizabeth O'Farrell, as a symbol of the contribution made by the many thousands of other members of Cumann na mBan.

A guard of honour made up completely of female personnel of the Defence Forces also took part in the ceremony.

A series of events are being held over the next few days, including a conference about Cumann na mBan in Collin's Barracks and a special exhibition at Glasnevin cemetery, as part of the Decade of Centenaries programme.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0402/606111-cumann-na-mban/

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Women of Cumann na mBan remembered at centenary commemorations

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"On the 2nd of April 2014 the Defence Forces played a prominent role in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Cumann na mBan. Throughout our history, women have been vital to the rich tapestry of Irish military heritage. From the iconic figures of Grace O'Malley and Countess Markievicz to the unsung heroes of the latter-day Oglaigh na hEireann, women have made an enormous contribution in the selfless service of the state. The Cumann na mBan was formed in 1914 as an auxillary corps to complement the Irish Volunteers, in whom the Defence Forces has its roots. Members of Cumann na mBan drilled in the Fianna halls, participated in route marches and trained in the handling of weapons. Women proved tenacious volunteers as the country struggled for independence. Dr Kathleen Lynn, Dr Brigid Lyons Thornton and others were heavily involved in the provision of professional medical treatment during the Rising. While other female volunteers led men into combat and were even wounded in action. One of these female combatants, Margaret Skinnider, was enthusiastic in accepting military roles and stated that women 'had the same right to risk our lives as the men; that in the constitution of the Irish Republic, women were on an equality with men.' In 1979 legislation was brought in allowing female representation into the broader Defence Forces, and today, 100 years after the foundation of the Cumann na mBan, President Michael D Higgins will be met at Glasnevin Cemetery by an exclusively all female Guard of Honour, drawn from women of all ranks and skill sets serving in the Army, Navy and Air Corps, gathered to commemorate the women of the Cumann na mBan who fought so that the women and men of Ireland could wear the uniform with pride."