The Founding Constitution and Manifestos of Cumann na mBan (1914)

Please note: I am only transcribing page one of this document as other online versions include pages added on at a later date which describe IRA Battalions etc which had not happened yet.

WYNN’S HOTEL, DUBLIN, 2 APRIL 1914

Cumann na mBan

Irish Women’s Council

1. OBJECTS

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 Fund”.

Miss L. Nic Shambraighin proposed the adoption of the Constitution of the Organisation.

Mrs. M. Kettle seconded.

Resolution passed unanimously.

Miss Agnes O’Farrelly presided.

2. CONSTITUTION

1. For the time being the direction of the branches will be carried on by the provisional committee.

2. Branches will be formed throughout the country, pledged to the Constitution, and directed in a general way by the provisional Committee.

3. Members will be expected in addition to their local subscription to support the Defence of Ireland Fund by subscription or otherwise.

4. The affiliation fee for Branches shall be 5/- per annum.

3. PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE

Mrs. John MacNeill, Mrs. Wyse Power, Madam O’Rahilly, Miss Agnes O’Farrelly, M.A., Mrs. Tuohy, Mrs. MacDonagh O’Mahony, Miss Gavan Duffy, B.A.

Hon. Secs.: Mary M. Colum, B.A., Louise Gavan Duffy, B.A.

Women of Irish birth or descent alone are eligible for membership.

Manifesto of Cumann na mBan (August 1914)

Manifesto of Cumann na (October 1914)

MANIFESTO

from

Cumann na mBan

Irishwomen’s Council

The Women’s Section of the Volunteer Movement

As the Women’s Section of the Irish Volunteers, we wish at this time of crisis to remind our members that they should abide loyally by the constitution of our Organisation.

We came into being to advance the cause of Irish liberty and to organise Irishwomen in furtherance of that object. We feel bound to make the pronouncement that to urge or encourage Irish Volunteers to enlist in the British Army cannot, under any circumstances, be regarded as consistent with the work we have set ourselves to do. At this time when powerful influences are at work to confuse and obscure the national issue, and when Ireland needs all her sons, we call on Irishmen to remain in their own country and join the Army of the Irish Volunteers—the Army which was founded to gain Ireland’s rights and guard those rights when gained.

We would point out to our members that it is their duty in all controversial matters to abide by the principles of nationality, which are the bedrock on which alone any vital national movement can be safely built.

Since its inauguration Cumann na mBan has aimed at uniting those who, while differing on minor matters, were resolved that the integrity and honour of the Irish Nation were their first consideration, and we rely on our members to lift every difficult question out of the region of personalities and parties on to the high ground of our country’s welfare.

GOD SAVE IRELAND.

The Provisional Committee,
CUMANN NA mBAN.
206 Great Brunswick Street,
Dublin, October 5th, 1914.

Cumann na mBan

The Irishwomen’s Council

A non-partisan and non-sectional national organization for Irishwomen, Cumann na mBan (Irishwomen’s Council) has the same headquarters as the Irish Volunteers, and works side by side with them. Women of Irish birth or descent alone are eligible for membership. The organisation came into being in November, 1913, and started the work of founding branches in March, 1914. In August, 1914, forty branches were in existence for Ireland and some in England. Besides the founding of First Aid and Ambulance Classes, the organisation, as the occasion arises, engages in any vital national work in which its activities are needed. Cumann na mBan initiated the Defence of Ireland Fund for the equipment of the Volunteers.

OBJECTS

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 Fund.”

CONSTITUTION

1. For the time being, the direction of the branches will be carried on by the Provisional Committee.

2. Branches will be formed throughout the country, pledged to the Constitution, and directed in a general way by the Provisional Committee.

3. Members will be expected, in addition to their local subscriptions, to support the “Defence of Ireland Fund” by subscription or otherwise.

PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE

Mrs. Eoin MacNeill, Mrs. Wyse Power, Madam O’Rahilly, Mrs. Tuohy, Miss Agnes O’Farrelly, M.A.; Nurse McCoy, Miss Bloxham, Miss L. Gavan Duffy, B.A.; Mrs. Padraic Colum, B.A.; Miss Margaret Dobbs.

MARY M. COLUM, B.A.,
LOUISE GAVAN DUFFY, B.A.,
Hon. Secs.