TRALEE Library will host a lecture titled ‘Cumann na mBan in Kerry 1914 – 1923’ on Thursday, May 15 at 7.30 pm to commemorate the centenary of its foundation.

Neglected by the history books, the stories of the heroic women of Cumann na mBan remained quietly within families who cherished their bravery down through the generations.

Now, a century after their foundation in 1914, their efforts to achieve national freedom have received due recognition from the State with lectures and media interest in the deeds of these brave women.

If you look at the new military archives website, www.militaryarchives.ie you will see that actually there were 15 district councils in Kerry made up branches based in amongst others Killarney, Castleisland & Knocknagoshel, Lixnaw, Listowel, Dingle and Ardfert etc

To explore further the history of the organisation in Kerry and to celebrate the centenary of the founding of Cumann na mBan, Tralee Library will host a lecture titled ‘Cumann na mBan in Kerry 1914 – 1923’.

The lecture will be given by historian Dr. Mary McAuliffe of UCD and a native of Duagh. Dr. McAuliffe, who lectures in Irish Women’s and gender History, UCD and who co-ordinated the centenary commemorations of the founding of Cumann na mBan, will trace the founding of the movement in Dublin initially, the branches in Kerry and what services Cumann na mBan members rendered.

The lecture is open to all.

For further details contact Tralee Library at 066 7121200 or log onto www.kerrylibrary.ie