July 23, 1921

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    Cumann na mBan protest outside Mountjoy Prison during the Irish War of Independence. Placards read Mother of God, open the prison gates; Release our Fathers and Brothers; and Mother of Mercy, pray for prisoners.

    Date: 23 July 1921

    NLI Ref.: HOG165

    Sheba78, emeraldlights, acertainsmile, themedvedable, and 4 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    1. RETRO STU 22 months ago | reply

    2. National Library of Ireland on The Commons 22 months ago | reply

      Stu, you have Badges for all Occasions! That is such a beautiful Cumann na mBan brooch - where'd you get it? Story behind it?

    3. RETRO STU 22 months ago | reply


      Hi. This nice lady kindly posed for the photo and was dressed in an original Cumann na mBan uniform complete with insignia, holster and revolver (only the revolver was a replica, everything else was original). She also allowed me to take close-up pics of the badges. I can confirm that the above badge is a genuine original going by the style and details. Regret to say this badge is not my own, an original would cost anything upwards of €150 - if you can find one for sale! Buyers beware, there are moderns copies of this badge about of varying quality.

    4. Sarah K Mc 22 months ago | reply

      A relative of my mother was in the Cumann na mBan, I must show her this photo!

    5. maorlando God kept us 2012 leaning on Him 2013 22 months ago | reply

      Wonderful post and comments!!

    6. 4Diarmuid 8 months ago | reply

      Just a query on the date! I'm intrigued by the uniformed men by the entrance gates! DMP or British Military? or is this a protest during the Civil War? I could be way off so forgive my presumption. BTW I was born in Arranmore Avenue sandwiched by the three prison avenues, one of which you can see to the right of the entrance gates.

    7. National Library of Ireland on The Commons 8 months ago | reply

      War of Independence, though towards the end of it if our date for this one is correct. I'm not sure about DMP versus British Military, but perhaps might be able to help - he's very well up on early 20th century police forces.

      And please don't apologise or talk about presumption - we positively welcome queries on here. We're all finding out a load of stuff together. (And added Arranmore Avenue as a tag too - thanks)

    8. 4Diarmuid 8 months ago | reply

      Thank you for your courtesy. The relatively relaxed atmosphere of ten days into the Anglo-Irish Truce shows no aggressive British military presence. The uniformed officers are obviously not worried. The placards might suggest a mood that the "war" was over and release of the prisoners was expected. Hopefully someone can identify who those officers were!

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