Macroom Hooded Cloak

"My husband’s grandfather was a master tailor by the name of Patrick Cunningham from Cork Street, Macroom, Co. Cork. He made this hooded cloak for his wife, Hannora Desmond, Kilmurry, Co. Cork . It was subsequently worn by their daughter, Nora Cunningham. She was a prominent member of Cumann na mBan from 1914 –1923 (her sister Molly was president of Macroom Cumann na mBan) and would have hidden guns under the cloak. The cloak was worn by Nora during the 1916 Rising whilst intelligence gathering and running guns and medical supplies to 7th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade (Macroom). That brigade rose during Easter Week to march from Macroom to Banna Strand in Co. Kerry, but only reached Carriganima Co Cork where they had to abandon the march. In this cloak, Nora would have brought the message that Roger Casement had been captured and that the battalion had to return to Macroom. Nora continued to be active up to and during the War of Independence. She would continue to carry guns and ammunitions concealed under this cloak. She was later searched by the RIC, arrested, and taken to Macroom Castle. An order was issued that she was barred from the town and was to be shot on sight. She continued her activities by swimming at night up the Sullane River from Doonisky to Macroom. If the river was flooded, she would walk along the railway line, but this was more dangerous for her as she could have been easily spotted by the R.I.C."