Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1987 (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 several unrelated recordings. The first of these is a first communion service. The second is an interview with 93-year-old Denis Fahey of Monaboula, Glen of Aherlow, county Tipperary, a one-time member of the IRA Flying Column led by Denis Lacey, who shares his memories of Denis Lacey, Seán Treacy and Dan Breen and the rescue of Seán Hogan at Knocklong. The third recording introduces Denis Fahey’s son, Michael Fahey, a poet and singer of old ballads, who sings The Galtee Mountain Boy and Seán Treacy and Dan Breen. The fourth clip covers various stages of a road race near Clonmel. The fifth clip is a recording of the Sports Special television programme broadcast on 13 September 1987 featuring the Budweiser Invitation Production Saloon Car Challenge and Dunlop Sidecar Race at Mondello Park, Athgarvan Fillies Maiden Race at the Curragh, the Dunlop Fiat Team Challenge at Mondello Park, the Lee Fillies Race, Moyglare Stud Stakes and the Mount Coot Stud Race at the Curragh. Duration 03:04:24.
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