These National Service (Serbhís Naisúinta) medals were issued during ‘The Emergency’, the period 1939-1946 in the aftermath of the second world war. The medal features ‘Na Caomhnóirí Aitiúla’, the Local Defence Forces which were a regional volunteer reserve. The obverse shows a female figure representing Éire holding the lead of an Irish wolfhound while her right hand holds a long swording pointing downwards. Around her is the legend ‘Ré na Práinne’ meaning ‘Emergency Period’. This medal is part of the Bartley Maher collection.
