Tag Archives: Cumann na mBan

AN historian who wishes to “bring out of the shadows the stories of the extraordinary women of Ennis who played their part in creating an independent Ireland” in a new book is appealing to the public for their help. Dr Martin Walsh is currently researching and writing a book on the women of Ennis Cumann na mBan and their lives before, during and after the revolutionary period in Clare. As part of his research he hopes to be able to talk to the relatives of these women to learn more about them, and he is urging readers of the Clare Champion who may be able to help to get in touch. For more on this story and all the latest news from the Banner County, pick up this week’s Clare Champion or view our digital edition which is available HERE.

LEADER of Cumann na mBan in Clare, Nan Hogan was fearless and dedicated to the cause of Irish freedom during the War of Independence. The Cratloe woman’s contribution to Ireland’s revolutionary history was in danger of being obscured and, until relatively recent times, her burial place was unmarked. Efforts to revive Nan’s memory have begun in earnest and acclaimed author, Colm Liddy, has just published a lavishly-illustrated biography that tells her story and honours her revolutionary achievements. “Like most women of the revolutionary era, Nan was forgotten for a long time,” Colm told The Champion. “She didn’t even have a gravestone until the last decade.” The Newmarket man is among those working to raise Nan’s profile and his book describes her life and especially her activities during the War of Independence. Vehemently opposed to the Treaty, Nan was imprisoned for her role in the Civil War. In Kilmainham Gaol, her cellmate was Grace Gifford Plunkett. Much of the book describes …

THE MID-Clare Commemoration Committee has unveiled plans to commemorate the role of the women of Cumann na mBan in Ireland’s revolutionary struggle. The committee, which has been instrumental in marking historic events since it was established a decade ago, believes that the pivotal role of women in events like the War of Independence has been largely neglected. Given the restrictions around Covid-19, it has initiated a school’s project designed to recognise the role of women, including the children’s own relatives. All schools in Mid-Clare Brigade area are invited to participate in the project, and to select Cumann na mBan members and document their contribution to national Independence. Schools and students may use any medium they see fit, including displays, posters, articles, reports, etc, and may return one or more projects. Participating schools will be presented with a specially commissioned Cumann na mBan Centenary Certificate. A presentation ceremony will take place in 2021, subject to restriction. A centenary commemorative booklet of …

AN AMBUSH in the village of Feakle in 1920 is to be commemorated with the unveiling of a plaque at the place where it happened. The ambush, which took place on October 7, almost 100 years ago, involved members of the Sixth Battalion of the East Clare Brigade of the IRA. The attack on six members of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) led to the burning of a number of homes and business premises in Feakle by way of reprisal. Local historian and Chairperson of the Feakle Commemorative Group Pat Flynn has researched the event in detail, combing military archives and consulting secondary sources, and says the ambush is a significant incident in The War of Independence in Clare. “Tommo Tuohy was the man in charge of the ambush, having been deeply involved in the republican struggle, even as far back as 1916,” said Mr Flynn. “The East Clare Brigade were very strong and determined to make a stand for …

The East Clare Memorial Committee’s annual wreath-laying ceremonies will take place in Tuamgraney and Scariff on Easter Sunday. Events take place at the East Clare Memorial Park in Tuamgraney and at Scariff Church and continue the long-standing tradition in East Clare of annually commemorating the Easter Rising and the struggle for independence over decades. This year, the ceremonies will place a special focus on the role of women in the revolution, to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Cumann na mBan in 1914. The memory of one of the county’s most active Cumann na mBan women, Nan Hogan, will be acknowledged when her relatives will lay a wreath in Tuamgraney. The memorial park in the village is the only memorial in Clare to publicly acknowledge Cumann na mBan. Nan Hogan was the O/C of the second battalion of the East Clare Brigade and was one of the most committed republicans in the county. She was interred in 1923 …