14 Facts About Nora Ashe

Nora Ashe was an Irish teacher, nationalist, and Irish language activist.

Nora Ashe was born in Kinard, Lispole, County Kerry on 15 July 1882.

Nora Ashe was the third daughter of the ten children of Gregory Ashe, a farmer, and Ellen.

Nora Ashe's parents were native, fluent Irish speakers, and while English was the language in the Ashe home, Ashe herself was bilingual.

Nora Ashe taught at the Kilrush Mercy convent school, before going on to attend Carysfort College, where she was taught by Eamon de Valera often conversing with him in Irish.

Nora Ashe brought him a message from Collins when he was in Lewes prison, meeting with Stack and a number of other convicts.

Nora Ashe would continue to visit him after he was imprisoned in Mountjoy Prison from late summer of 1917.

Nora Ashe moved to Dublin to teach in the Central Model School in Marlborough Street.

Nora Ashe went on to be appointed principal of Scoil Mhuire, staying in this post until her retired.

From its foundation in 1926, Nora Ashe was an active member of Fianna Fail, being a member of its national executive.

Nora Ashe was involved with Conradh na Gaeilge for many years, attending their ard fheiseanna, and served as a trustee of Choiste Gnotha from 1923 to 1941.

Nora Ashe assisted in the foundation of the School Dramatic Society in 1934, sitting on the founding committee.

Nora Ashe spent a great deal of her time preserving the memory of her brother, particularly as a source of information on his life.

Nora Ashe died in Dublin on 20 January 1970, and is buried in Straffan, County Kildare.