Nora O'Daly

Nora O'Daly (1883–1943) was an Irish nationalist, writer and trade unionist. As a member of Cumann na mBan, she took part in the Easter Rising of 1916 and was among the 77 women arrested and detained in Richmond Barracks. She later wrote a memoir of her experience in the Rising.

Early life O'Daly was born Nora Margaret Mary Gillies on 12 August 1883 to John Malcolm and Alice Maud Gillies in Terenure, Dublin. Her father had come to Ireland from Scotland in 1878 to work as general manager of the Freeman's Journal. Her parents were both Presbyterians but O'Daly and six of her seven siblings later converted to Catholicism. Her home in Clontarf was used to hide arms and ammunition in preparation for the Rising. She was involved in anti-conscription activity and campaigned for Sinn Féin in the general election of 1918.

War of Independence During the War of Independence O'Daly served as a judge in the Republican Courts in the Fairview / Ballybough District. The courts were often raided by the authorities and its members arrested. Despite raids on her home, O'Daly ran a safe house. She sheltered Joe Leonard, who was involved in the assassinations of 14 British agents on 21 November 1920, which became known as Bloody Sunday. Her brother-in-law Paddy O'Daly was also a member of the assassination 'Squad' under Michael Collins. She was described by the Black and Tans as "a dangerous woman".

Later life O'Daly was not involved in the Irish Civil War. After the foundation of the Irish Free State, she worked as a secretary to the Dáil Courts winding up committee. She joined the Irish Women Workers Union (IWWU) where she worked for the rights of women workers.

She had a lifelong interest in Irish literature and wrote poetry and prose, including her memoir of the Rising. In 1926, she published 'The Women of Easter Week; Cumann na mBan in Stephen's Green and in the College of Surgeons' in An tÓglach, the magazine of the Irish Free State army.

She died aged 59 years on 10 May 1943 at her home 'Clooncoora' in the Jobstown area of southern County Dublin.