Área de identidad
Código de referencia
Título
Fecha(s)
- [October 1984] (Creación)
Nivel de descripción
Volumen y soporte
1 item
Área de contexto
Nombre del productor
Historia biográfica
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.
Institución archivística
Historia archivística
Origen del ingreso o transferencia
Área de contenido y estructura
Alcance y contenido
Betamax tape containing a recording, the digital copy of which has been divided into two parts. Part 1 commences with views of the parish of Moycarkey-Borris, including streetscapes and buildings of note. This is followed by clips of the county Tipperary senior hurling final between Lorrha and Moycarkey-Borris in 1984. The first clips are without sound; the latter part is with sound and includes running commentary on the progress of the match. Players mentioned include John McIntyre, Eamon Darmody, John Flanagan and Ken Hogan. After a brief break the recording resumes with an interview with Johnny Ryan (1914-1997), who shares his thoughts and memories of hurling in Moycarkey, and with hurlers and former hurlers John Flanagan (1947-1994), Eddie Ryan, Dermot Shanahan, Timmy Cullagh, Tom Doran, Timmy Ryan (1923-1996), Bill Ryan, Tom Burke, Phil Ryan, Larry Hayes, Dan [---] and Larry Ryan, who give their impressions of the match. The interviews, which were conducted in a pub in Littleton, county Tipperary conclude with Timmy Ryan singing a song. There is a long break, from 01:12:58 to 01:30:47, which is followed by an interview with Matt Hayes, who discusses the history of the Hollyford copper mines in Reafadda, county Tipperary and sings a ballad, Dear Old Hollyford, composed by the local postman, Martin Lysaght. The interview is out of focus. Matt Hayes then plays Slievenamon, Éamonn an Chnoic and a polka on his accordion. The recording ends at 01:49:04. Part 2 contains an interview with Ned Moloney, the oldest surviving member of the Moycarkey senior hurlers, who began his professional hurling career in 1917. He shares his early memories of Moycarkey, recalls his hurling days, discusses his passion for politics since the days of the Easter Rising and his involvement in the Blueshirts. He also relates his grandfather’s stories about the famous repeal meeting in Knockroe, county Tipperary [in September 1845] organised by Daniel O’Connell. Duration 00:49:45.
Valorización, destrucción y programación
Acumulaciones
Sistema de arreglo
Área de condiciones de acceso y uso
Condiciones de acceso
No access to magnetic tape. For access to digitised content, please consult with the staff.
Condiciones
Idioma del material
- inglés