Jim,
It was an issue immediately the war broke out and opponents launched an fierce anti-recruitment campaign in all of the major cities.

Yes, and it was a total failure because Irishmen VOLUNTEERED in their tens of thousands because they supported the war and had no quarrel with Britain.
Home rule was in the bag.
There was no fear of conscription, and no need to fear. It was never imposed.
The rebels had nothing to offer, but blood and death for nothing.