Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- [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 a recording which begins with early twentieth-century documents of historical interest to the Knocklong area in county Limerick being displayed to the camera. Also displayed to the camera is a walking stick that once belonged to Robert Barton and was used by his cousin Erskine [Hamilton] Childers and may have been used by the latter’s father [Robert] Erskine Childers. The recording then moves to the O’Brien household in Galbally to a room in which Seán Treacy, Seán Hogan and Dan Breen slept after the Soloheadbeg Ambush. There follows an interview with James Power, member of the Third Tipperary Brigade Old IRA Commemoration Committee, who discusses the Mount Bruis company of the Irish Volunteers and its involvement in the War of Independence and the courage of Mrs [Catherine] Barlow [of Lattin, county Tipperary] during that war. Also interviewed are Mrs Barlow’s grandsons, Michael and Jerry Barlow. The next clip takes place in the doorway of the house in which Seán Treacy was born. Here, Hassett relates events from Treacy’s life and interviews Pat Leahy, owner of the property. The camera then moves to the site of the Soloheadbeg Ambush, where Hassett describes the events of the day and the controversy that surrounds them. There follows a lengthy interview with Jack Leahy [?], one-time member of the Soloheadbeg company of the Old IRA, who shares his memories of Seán Treacy, Dan Breen and the events of the War of Independence. The camera then moves to St Nicholas’ Church in Solohead, where Seán Treacy was christened; the Soloheadbeg Monument adjacent to the church; and a memorial plaque marking the spot where Commandant Seán Duffy and Captain Paddy Moloney were killed in May 1921. Hassett interviews a man who as a young boy had witnessed the killing. There follows a view of the ruins of the home of the Coffey family, which during the War of Independence was used as a point of contact by many of the leaders. Here, a Mrs Franklin sings two songs connected with the War of Independence. The view then moves to the Liam Lynch monument in the Knockmealdown Mountains, county Tipperary. There follows an interview with Mrs Feehan [?] of Crohane, owner of the house where Liam Lynch spent his last night before being fatally wounded on the mountainside. The recording concludes with a social gathering in a community hall, where participants take turns to sing ballads and folk songs. Total duration 03:16:30. The sound quality is poor.
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