 The League encouraged female participation from the start and a number of women played a prominent role.They were not restricted to subordinate roles, but played an active part in leadership, although males were in the overwhelming majority.Local notables, such as Lady Gregory in Galway, Lady Esmonde in County Wexford, and Mary Spring Rice in County Limerick, and others such as Máire Ní Shúilleabháin and Norma Borthwick who founded and led branches in her community.