Figure 1.--This group looks like Boys Scouts to us. The Irish Photographic Arvives identifies them, however, as Na Fianna Rireann. This was a nationalist group trying to instill a nationalist spirit. The Archive describes it as, "Military-style youth organization for boys were popular all over Europe in the early 1900s. Thee boys are learning first aid." Source: Irish National Photographic Archive.

There have been many Irish nationalist groups. The most famous of course is the Irish Revolutionary Army (IRA). While many young people--especially older teenagers have participated in the IRA, we are not sure to what extent younger boys did. Certainly the sons and younger brothers of IRA members knew about the IRA and served as lookouts and messengers. The IRA for much of its history has been a outlaw or secret organizxation and thus has not had uniforms. We do not know if there was any uniformed nationmalist group for younger boys. The Nationalist organisations (like the Cumman na Gael) also had youth sections - no real uniform though. These were absorbed into the Scouts of Ireland after independence.

Cumman na Gael

The Nationalist organisations (like the Cumman na Gael) also had youth sections - no real uniform though. These were absorbed into the Scouts of Ireland after independence.

Irish Nationalist Youth

There was a small Irish National Youth organization active in the 1960s. It was based in Limerick, but with a group in Dublin. They used the Odalsrune badge and flag. They were right wing nationalist and had nothing to do with the IRA which is left-wing and internationalist. The INY leader was John Buckley who was in his late teens when he organized the group.

Irish Republican Army (IRA)

There have been many Irish nationalist groups. The most famous of course is the Irish Republican Army (IRA). While many young people--especially older teenagers have participated in the IRA, we are not sure to what extent younger boys did. Certainly the sons and younger brothers of IRA members knew about the IRA and served as lookouts and messengers. The IRA for much of its history has been a outlaw or secret organizxation and thus has not had uniforms.

Na Fianna Éireann

Irish nationalists founded Na FIANNA ÉIREANN in 1909 to help educate youth in Irish national ideas as a step in achieving independence. At the time Ireland was still under British rule as part of the United Kingdom. England ruled Ireland for about seven centuries. Ireland and Catholic enfranchisement had become contentious issues in British politics during 19th century. The Irish Potato Famine killed huge numbers of Ireland and driving large numbers to emmigrate, many to America (1845-50). of the 1850s had been a Holocaust for the Irish people, radicalizing some. Most Irish by the early 20th century seemed apathetic despite the dreadful economic conditions, high unemployment and wide-spread poverty. Many were despirited seeing no option to British rule. At the time there was no Irish youth organization. The Boys' Brigade which had been founded in Scotland had spread to England, but because of its Protestant orientation had little appeal to Irish boys--except in Ulster. The Boy Scouts founded by Baden Powell (1906) was a different matter. It had a more non-denominational origin. Irish nationalists were concerned about the impact of Scouting on Irish boys. The Scouts were a strongly patriotic group, emphasizing loyalty to Britain and the monary. Irish nationalists were concerned that this would further weaken the national identity of Irish boys. They wanted a program that would promote Irish identity and national feeling and to help boys envision a future independent Ireland.

Other Groups

We do not know if there was any uniformed nationmalist group for younger boys.