Featuring Cumann na mBan members leading the funeral of people shot during the Howth arms landing. Cumann na mBan was a women’s nationalist organisation founded to advance the cause of Irish liberty. Its constitution provided for the use of force by arms against British forces in Ireland. Founding members included Jennie Wyse Power, Agnes O’Farrelly, Louise Gavan Duffy and Agnes MacNeill.
Their aims attracted thousands of Irish women eager to play their part in the fight for Irish independence and by October 1914, Cumann na mBan had upwards of 60 branches, some with dozens of members.
In the aftermath of the 1916 Rising – in which many of them played key, non-combatant roles – with so many of the revolutionary leaders dead or imprisoned, strong support for the work of Cumann na mBan ensured that the struggle for independence continued.
A limited edition first day cover envelope shows the membership booklet of Cumann na mBan member, Sighle Humphreys. The stamp and first day cover can be bought online at irishstamps.ie; at main post offices and at the Irish Stamps Shop at the GPO in Dublin.