Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- [1984] (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 an interview with Seán Fitzpatrick, oldest surviving member of the Third Tipperary Brigade of the IRA, and Paul Merrigan, a veteran of the War of Independence. Fitzpatrick shares memories of his parents and his childhood and his awakening republicanism. He relates the story of the Irish Volunteer Michael O’Callaghan, who in 1916 shot dead two policemen attempting to arrest him. He recalls his own nationalist activities, which began in 1919, and shares his views on the IRB, IRA and Sinn Féin and his criticism of the Catholic clergy of the day. He refers to the Soloheadbeg Ambush as the outstanding event of the War of Independence in Tipperary and to Seán Treacy, Dan Breen, Seán Hogan and Seamus Robinson as the most important men in the Irish national life of the time. He recalls a raid on the Clonmel RIC barracks mounted by the Third Tipperary Brigade. The interview then turns to Merrigan, who recalls his part in Dinny Lacey’s Flying Column and the Thomastown Ambush. The interview was recorded on 30 June 1984, the day after Fitzpatrick’s 90th birthday. After a short break the recording recommences at Ballinure Barracks, which was attacked by Volunteers in 1920, and its environs. Hassett interviews Jack Lamb of the Horse and Jockey aged 83, the only surviving member of the Moycarkey Company of the Old IRA. Lamb recalls events from his childhood and his time as a Volunteer. He recalls Pierce McCan’s funeral, the shooting of District Inspector Michael Hunt in Thurles [in 1919] and the capture of Littleton Barracks. The interview concludes with Lamb singing several songs. The interview is barely audible. Duration 02:12:27.
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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
- Béarla