Moulding the future: Na Fianna Eireann and its members, 1909-23

Abstract

This article provides a snapshot of the membership of the Irish nationalist youth organisation Na Fianna Eireann from its foundation in 1909 to the end of the Irish Civil War in 1923. The article argues that membership in the Fianna and exposure to the philosophy that it promoted helped to generate active participants in the struggle for Irish independence. In the longer term former members grew up to become political, military and business leaders as well as journalists and educators who were in a position to shape public opinion.