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- [1983] (Création/Production)
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1 item
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Notice biographique
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.
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Betamax tape containing a recording of a series of interviews, as follows: Matthew Hogan, brother of Seán Hogan, discusses the Soloheadbeg Ambush and Knocklong Rescue (the start of this interview is missing); Paul Merrigan, a former Irish Volunteer and member of Dinny Lacey’s Flying Column, shares his memories of his involvement in the War of Independence in county Tipperary; Tom Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Knocklong Development Association, discusses his interest in the Knocklong Rescue and his determination to erect a memorial to it; James Power, member of the Third Tipperary Brigade Old IRA Commemoration Committee, discusses his interest in recording the memories of individuals involved in the Irish War of Independence; Ned Murphy talks about Seán Treacy and the need to record memories for generations to follow; Hugh Hogan, nephew of Seán Hogan, discusses his desire to generate an interest in history among young people; and Bridie Collins, relative of Michael Collins (this interview is barely audible). Hassett then visits places associated with Seán Hogan, including O’Byrne’s shop. After a short clip of the annual commemoration ceremony at Seán Treacy’s graveside in Kilfeacle cemetery, there follows another series of short interviews conducted in Ned O’Brien’s home in Galbally about the Knocklong Rescue and the War of Independence. The interviewees include Mrs Martin; Catherine Condon Walsh, first cousin to Ned [Edmond] Foley; woman called Mary who was godchild to Ned Foley; Jack Murphy; man called Michael, nephew of Seán Lynch; Tim Ryan, nephew of James Scanlon; and Bridie Fitzgerald, daughter of Ned O’Brien (this last-mentioned interview cuts off abruptly). Then the camera shows a view of the home of the Hennessy family, where in 1916 Michael O’Callaghan shot two members of the RIC. Here, Hassett interviews brothers Pat and John Hennessy, who relate their parents’ stories of Michael O’Callaghan. There follows a second interview with Bridie Fitzgerald, this time discussing the fundraising activities of her father and others in the USA in the early 1920s. The recording concludes with displays of photographs of some of the heroes of Soloheadbeg Ambush and Knocklong Rescue. The recordings on this tape are in monochrome. Duration 02:57:24.
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No access to magnetic tape. For access to digitised content, please consult with the staff.
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Language of material
- anglais