O'Donovan Rossa Funeral Committee

At their convention in November 1914 Cumann na mBan voted
to support the minority Irish Volunteers. A statement published by the Cumann made clear their position:
“We came into being to advance the cause of Irish liberty.
We feel bound to make the pronouncement that to urge or encourage Irish Volunteers to enlist in the British Army cannot, under any circumstances, be regarded as consistent with the work we have set ourselves.”
In terms of membership numbers Cumann na mBan
was damaged by the split but rather than hinder their work or appeal the turmoil of the start of the First World War helped invigorate the organisation.
It became more militaristic
in nature with women being trained in drilling, signalling, use of arms, first aid and other skills.