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Madeleine ffrench Mullen

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Madeleine ffrench Mullen

Previously we noted that Madeline ffrench-Mullen was born in Malta. However, we have now located her 1911 Census form which shows she was born in Scotland.

Updated 09/09/2021

 Census Address: 8 Eglington Road, Pembrook West, Dublin

Madeleine was enumerated living with her uncle Jarlath ffrench-Mullen, his wife Mina and daughter Eileen. There are two servants, Lizzzie Mooney (cook) and Margaret Hanly (parlour maid). There was also a visitor, Mai Kelly from Queen's County, in the house on Census Night. 

http://census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Dublin/Pembroke_West/Eglington_Road/11425/

Born in 1880, Madeleine ffrench Mullen was the daughter of St. Laurence ffrench-Mullen, a surgeon in the Royal Navy. She was born in Scotland but moved to Ireland on his retirement. She was drawn into the labour movement to improve social conditions in Ireland. Madeleine was a member of Inghinidhe na hÉireann and wrote for the newspaper Bean na hÉireann. She was active in the campaign to provide school dinners for children. During the 1913 Lockout she helped at the soup kitchen in Liberty Hall. She met Dr. Kathleen Lynn at a lecture on first aid and they began a lifelong friendship. She moved into Kathleen’s home at Belgrave Road in 1915 and they lived together until her death.

Photo Madeline Ffrench Mullen, Dr. Kathleen Lynn, Countess Markievicz

Photo: Group photo including Madeline ffrench-Mullen, Dr. Kathleen Lynn and Countess Markievicz

Madeleine was a lieutenant in the Irish Citizen Army and in the 1916 Rising was stationed at the Garrison of Stephen’s Green/College of Surgeons with Countess Markievicz, Nellie Gillford, Bridget Ryan, Rosie Hackett, Margaret Skinnider and others. Her duties included overseeing the commandeering of vehicles, removing civilians from the area, guarding the entrances to the Green and tending the wounded. During the fighting she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. She was first imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol and then transferred to Mountjoy. Her brother Douglas fought under Eamonn Ceannt, at the South Dublin Union. She devoted her life’s work to try and  improve the living conditions of the poor. She co-founded St. Ultan’s, the first children’s hospital in Dublin with her friend Dr. Kathleen Lynn, working tirelessly in its day to day running. She died on 26th May 1944 and is buried Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49544888/madeleine-ffrench-mullen

Go to Margaret Skinnider