Elections 1923
A general election was called for the Fourth Dáil Éireann on the 27th August 1923. A call to dump arms had brought an uneasy peace to the Irish Civil War. Five women were elected however only one took her seat, Margaret Collins-O’Driscoll. She was the sister of Michael Collins who had been killed in an ambush the previous August and was pro-treaty. The remaining four of those who were elected and did not take their seats were Constance de Markievicz, Dr Kathleen Lynn, Caitlín Brugha, and Mary MacSwiney. They did not support the establishment of the Irish Free State. You can learn more about these women and the election in the Virtual Tour and on the 100 Year Journey.
To mark this centenary Mná100 held the third workshop in partnership with the National Print Museum. 4th and 5th class students from Glenbeg National School, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, were invited to create election posters on the 5 women who were elected.
Children’s posters from their workshop in the National Print Museum
The class was split into two groups. While one group was printing the other got a chance to visit the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. There they were treated to the tour ‘Revolutionary Women’, which was especially adapted for the primary school students. You can see what wonderful resources the National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks have for both educators and families here.
Children’s posters from their workshop in the National Print Museum
See more photographs from the workshop below
Glenbeg National School, Dr Sinéad McCoole speaking to group of Students about the elections of 1923.
Glenbeg National School, Dr Sinéad McCoole speaking to group of Students about the elections of 1923.
Mary Plunkett discussing the printing process with students from Glenbeg National School.
Dr Sinéad McCoole speaking with Glenbeg National School students about their poster.
Students working in groups to compose posters
Students composing posters using wooden letters.
Mary Plunkett setting up text with students using wooden letters.
Mary Plunkett setting up text with students using wooden letters.
Mary Plunkett setting up text with students using wooden letters.
Mary Plunkett setting up text with students and Dr Sinéad McCoole.
Text setting for poster printing.
Student using letterpress to print poster.
Student using letterpress to print poster.
Mary Plunkett showing students how to use the letterpress for printing.
Mary Plunkett showing students how to use the letterpress for printing.
Mary Plunkett showing students how to use the letterpress for printing.
Mary Plunkett showing students how to use the letterpress for printing.
Printed posters drying in the National Print Museum.
Dr Sinéad McCoole discussing the 1923 elections with second group of students from Glenbeg National School.
Students listening to Dr Sinéad McCoole speaking about the elections of 1923.
Mary Plunkett showing the students the original 1916 Proclamation.
Students composing their election posters.
Students composing their election posters.
Mary Plunkett setting up text with students using wooden letters.
