Details

Although more than sixty women took part in Ireland’s Easter Rebellion of 1916 their contribution is so often overlooked and forgotten. The women were members of the auxillary army, Cumann na mBhan (The League of Women.) Formed in 1914 its aim was to advance the cause of Irish Liberty and to aid the young men to fight for Ireland’s freedom. The women’s core activities included carrying out despatches, cooking, marching, drilling, first aid training and rifle practice. Made up of middle-class women fighting alongside a large number of young country girls, many members of Cumann na mBhan never really believed that a Rising would actually ever happen, they just joined for the fun of it. However, it did happen and, in the heat of the moment, under the command of Countess Constance Markievicz, they swiftly and proudly took up arms and found themselves in the thick of the battle, a Rebellion which ended with so many tragic tales to be told. Running time: 70mins with no interval. Suitable for ages 9+

Creatives/Company

Company: The Irish Theatre and Film Company
Director: Rosalind Scanlon