Nellie Bushell

Ellen Sarah Bushell (born 23 January 1884 in The Liberties, Dublin, died 11 August 1948 in County Dublin) was an Irish textile artist and political activist. She played a significant role in the Irish War of Independence, as a messenger, tailor, gun runner and safe house operator.

Background Nellie was born to Edward and Ellen Bushell in Francis Street, in 1884. Ellen had died by 1901 when Edward had remarried, and lived in Clanbrassil Street. By the 1911 census, Nellie was living in Newmarket Street, Dublin 8.

Irish Nationalism Bushell made kilts for Fianna Éireann, the youth republican movement. She soon became a committee member.

Death and funeral Bushell was admitted to the Adelaide Hospital, later dying at home in Inchicore on 11 August 1948. She was given full military honours, alongside attendance from the Irish theatrical world.

Bushell's name is among those remembered on a plaque, unveiled in 1966, in the Abbey commemorating its staff involved in the rising.