An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 39 100 strong, and made a most creditable turn-out, the Cen- tral Branch contingent carrying for the first time their beau- tiful banner of gold, green and white, embroidered with the badge of the Association'. We are also very fortunate to have this occasion captured on camera as two group images from the event survive in public and private posses- sion (Fig. 3). Both feature a group of CnamB Central Branch members posing with the flag. It has not been possible to identify all women present but the project is ongoing, and attempts are being made to retrieve names through other sources. Several of those present are wearing a CnamB badge and uniform hybrid, while the social status and age of others can be ascertained through the style of dress. The inclusion of an inaugural copy of Arthur Griffith's newspa- per, Nationality, in both images is also significant. There are no clues given as to the manufacturer of the CnamB flag, but it is reasonable to suggest that members embroidered the flag themselves. Central Branch members, Molly Gill and Máire Nic Shiubhlaigh were both employees of the Dun Emer Guild, a home industries establishment. Dun Emer manufactured the Starry Plough flag for the Irish Citizen Army, which was launched at a meeting in April 1914. Therefore, it would have been well within the guild's capabilities to produce a CnamB flag. One key question that arises from this research is wheth- er the CnamB emblem first appeared in flag or badge form. The CnamB badge was widely advertised in nationalist newspapers as early September 1914 and several individu- als may also be observed wearing same in the 1915 Boden- stown commemoration images, thereby confirming that the CnamB badge was in circulation before the launch of the organisation's flag. CnamB branches were encouraged to make their own in- dividual flags to 'arouse curiosity and inquiry' and for use in ceremonial events such as republican processions, parades and funerals. An undated New Ross CnamB flag is currently on loan to Kilmainham Gaol Archives and the accompany- ing description notes that the flag was found in the house of Susie Browne at Bailey St, New Ross, Co. Wexford in the 1990s. It features a CnamB emblem set against a blue background. Above the image written in yellow Gaelic font is 'Ros Mhich Treóin' which demonstrates the branch's firm affiliation with the Irish language and the Gaelic League. Browne was a member of Wexford CnamB and held as an anti-Treaty political prisoner in Kilmainham Gaol during the Irish Civil War. In conclusion, the historical value of CnamB regalia can be ascertained through the combined application of archaeological techniques and documentary research to create a dialogue between an object and its historical context. Before the CnamB Executive set the standard, early CnamB uniforms were of a homemade composite style comprising varying articles, fabrics and shades lead- ing Kitty O'Doherty to remark that some looked 'as if they were cut out with a knife and fork'. At the outset of the War of Independence, CnamB uniforms were abandoned in favour of plain civilian clothes for ease of movement through military and police cordons. The predominant rifles to appear on CnamB badges during this period are the WOP Miniature (A1) and the Lee Enfield (B1) or stylised versions of same. It is also possible to trace a design evolution in the production of these badges with the Dundalgan Press prototype being followed closely by local jewellers' modifications of the design to satisfy customer commissions. The unfurling of the CnamB Central Branch flag at Bodenstown in 1915 sought to firmly and openly entrench the organisation within the republican tradition and the survival of the New Ross CnamB flag suggests that many branches may have had their own flag for use in local parades and ceremonies. Acknowledgements: Thanks to Kilmainham Gaol Archives, National Library of Ireland and Conchúir O'Duilacháin (face- book.com/groups/EarlyIrishMilitaria) for information on and/or access to badges in their collections. About the Authors: Ailbhe Rogers is a final year PhD research scholar in the History Department, Maynooth University. Her research in- terests include gender & women's studies, Irish revolution, oral and local history. Paul Gosling lectures on the BA in Heritage Studies pro- grammes in the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. He is currently researching medieval routeways, in particular those relating to Táin Bó Cúailnge. Fig. 5: Memorial Plaque commemorating the East Clare Brigade of IRA, and Cumann na mBan, in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare. Fig. 4: Group of women in Cumann na mBan uniform. The woman in the back row, far-right is Florence MacDermott aka Blathnaid Nic Diarmada. c1916. Photo courtesy of Kilmainham Gaol/wm_ 2010.0016

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