
Founded by Bulmer Hobson and Constance Markievicz in 1909 as a Nationalist counter to the then newly founded Baden-Powell scouts, the stated object of na Fianna Éireann was to achieve the full independence of Ireland by the training of her youth both mentally and physically for the task ahead. The organisation taught scouting and military exercises, Irish history, and the Irish language. There was extensive overlap between current and former members na Fianna and the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Na Fianna Éireann participated in the Howth gun-running of 1914, and fought in 1916, the War of Independence and the Civil War. Since its founding governments north and south of the border have proscribed the organisation.