The Cumann na mBan Exhibition will be on display at the Edna O’Brien Library from February 13 to March 5.
Founded in 1914, Cumann na mBan quickly expanded nationwide, with a Clare branch established in 1915. Around 400 women in Clare were involved, undertaking key roles during the War of Independence, including intelligence gathering, arms smuggling, and rescuing IRA prisoners. Many later joined the anti-Treaty side in the Civil War, continuing their efforts despite government suppression. While its influence declined over time, the group’s legacy remains significant, though only one Cumann na mBan member, Nan Hogan, was memorialized in Clare before 2016. This exhibition delves into the lives of these courageous women, exploring their pivotal roles in Ireland’s fight for independence and tracing their journeys post-struggle.