Nora Ashe Papers
Identifier: MSE/IR 1045
This collection consists of several pieces of correspondence and ephemera originally sent to Nora Ashe in June 1916 and June 1917. Included are three letters, two telegrams, and one copy of the Liberator newspaper.
The content mainly relates to the imprisonment of Nora's brother, Thomas Ashe, in the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising, his homecoming journey in June 1917 as well as some references to the impending 1917 East Clare by-election. One letter additionally hints at troubles within Conradh na Gaeilge and An Coiste Gnotha due to the general unrest.
Contains two letters, two telegrams and one newspaper in English, as well as one letter in Irish.
A teacher, an Irish nationalist, and an ardent activist for the Irish language, Nora (Honora) Ashe (Aghas) was born in Kinard, Co. Kerry, Ireland on 15 July 1882, the third daughter of Gregory and Ellen (née Hanafin) Ashe. Ashe was raised in a bilingual household and her father was locally famous for his Irish stories. She was educated at Killarney by the Loreto Sisters and later at Carysfort College from 1907-1909 where she was taught by Eamon De Valera. She taught at the Mercy convent in Kilrush, in Cappamore, Co. Limerick, 1909-1919, and the Central Model School on Marlborough Street in Dublin and became the first principal of Scoil Mhuire, an Irish-language primary school, where she remained until her retirement.
Alongside her young brother, the republican leader Thomas Ashe (1885-1917), Ashe was deeply involved in the cause of Irish independence, particularly after her brother's imprisonment following the 1916 Easter Rising. She visited and corresponded with him while he was imprisoned at HMP Lewes, serving as his means of communicating with other republicans, including Michael Collins. She later accompanied Thomas on his homecoming journey to Kerry in June 1917, and joined him to campaign for Eamon De Valera for the 1917 East Clare by-election.
Following the establishment of the Irish Free State Ashe remained highly active in both the political and cultural spheres of Irish nationalism. She was critical in the foundation of Fianna Fáil in 1926, and served on its national executive board. She was also heavily involved with Conradh na Gaeilge, and was a trustee of its executive committee, an Coiste Gnótha (1923–41). Nora Ashe died on 20 January 1970 in Dublin, and is buried in Straffan, County Kildare.
0.5 Cubic Feet
Material has been arranged chronologically.
Internment camp inmates Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ireland Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ireland -- History -- 20th century Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ireland -- History -- Easter Rising, 1916 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ireland -- Politics and government -- 1910-1921 Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Kerry (Ireland) Subject Source: Library Of Congress Subject Headings
Letters (correspondence) Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Lewes Prison (Lewes, England)
Manuscripts (documents) Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Nationalism -- Ireland -- History -- 20th century Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Newspapers Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Political prisoners -- Family relationships -- Ireland Subject Source: Library Of Congress Subject Headings
Telegrams Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
Tralee (Ireland) Subject Source: Library Of Congress Subject Headings
Women revolutionaries -- Ireland Subject Source: Local sources
Ashe, Nora, 1882–1970 (Correspondent, Person)
Ashe, Thomas, 1885-1917 (Correspondent, Person)
Lauren Jean
Part of the University of Notre Dame Rare Books & Special Collections Repository
https://rarebooks.library.nd.edu/
102 Hesburgh Library
Notre Dame IN 46556
rarebook@nd.edu
MSE/IR 1045, Nora Ashe Papers, Rare Books & Special Collections, Hesburgh Libraries, University of Notre Dame
MSE/IR 1045, Nora Ashe Papers, Rare Books & Special Collections, Hesburgh Libraries, University of Notre Dame https://archivesspace.library.nd.edu/repositories/3/resources/2132 Accessed February 01, 2023.