WW1 Munition Makers Canteen Ireland war service badge

A very rare original First World War circa 1916 'Irish Canteen Workers badge', Crowned gilded brass circlet inlaid with green enamel bearing ''Munition Makers Canteen' title, the central quartered shield on white enamel ground, depicting the four provinces of Ireland 'Ulster, Munster, Leinster, and Connaught'. Very good condition, retaining original pin fittings, enamel perfect, gilt finish remains bright.
Height 38mm.

Munitions workers canteens were established in Ireland from 1916 through a Munition Makers’ Canteen Committee chaired by the Marchioness of Waterford. The scheme was to improve worker’s efficiency by providing an alcohol-free canteen open both day and night. Initially they were run by voluntary workers but due to the difficulty in finding sufficient volunteer workers for the night shifts it was decided to run the canteens with paid staff.