Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- September 1983 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 item
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
John J. Hassett was born in Ballytarsna, Cashel, Co. Tipperary on 22 September 1937, the eldest of eight children of William Hassett and Mary née Gooney. He grew up immersed in local lore and stories of Ireland’s struggles for freedom. From an early age, he listened to tales of the Troubles and the War of Independence, developing a lifelong passion for history and its impact on ordinary people. Though he left school early to help his family, Hassett became a voracious reader, linking national events to local narratives and sharpening his historical insight.
A committed GAA man, John played hurling for Dualla and later founded Ballytarsna Athletic Club, eventually serving as President of the National Athletic and Cycling Association of Ireland (NACAI). Professionally, he worked in insurance, but his organisational skills also made him a key figure in rural advocacy as General Secretary of the Irish Farmers’ Association during the 1960s and campaign manager for T. J. Maher’s European Parliament bid in 1979.
Hassett’s deepest commitment was to preserving memory. In the early 1980s, he purchased one of Tipperary’s first tape recorders and began visiting homes to capture the voices of an older generation – men who played hurling in the early 1900s and veterans of the Irish Volunteers and War of Independence. Later, with Pat O’Donnell and others, he expanded this work to video interviews, ensuring these stories were told in the participants’ own words. His respectful, easy manner encouraged candour, creating an invaluable archive of firsthand testimony.
John Hassett championed commemorations, notably reviving the Soloheadbeg anniversary and honouring figures like Seán Treacy and the women of Cumann na mBan. He resisted historical revisionism, arguing for nuanced understanding of Ireland’s armed struggles and the complexities of Civil War divisions. His vision was of an inclusive Irish Republic rooted in equality and care for all citizens. Generous with his knowledge, Hassett shared documents, tapes and insights freely with researchers, believing history belonged to the people.
John Hassett died on 3 December 2019.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Betamax tape containing three discrete recordings. The first is of the unveiling ceremony of the memorial stone on Banba Square, Nenagh, county Tipperary erected to honour the ten men who died in the 1981 hunger strike at Long Kesh Prison in county Down. The ceremony took place on 10 September 1983. The second recording is of the Liam Lynch commemorative event at Kilcrumper cemetery near Fermoy, county Cork on 11 September 1983. The third recording is a lengthy discussion with Paul Mulcahy, who was a member of the Irish Volunteers between 1914 and 1916 and involved in the Irish War of Independence, and Frank McCan, nephew of Pierce McCan. The recording has been made in three different locations relevant to the events discussed, including Ballyowen House, one-time home of Pierce McCan; Meldrum Hall, venue of an IRA convention in 1919; and the site of the Newtown Cross Ambush of 2 July 1920. Sound quality throughout the tape is extremely poor. Duration 02:42:12.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No access to magnetic tape. For access to digitised content, please consult with the staff.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English