Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- [27 September 1987 and 1 November 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 two recordings. The first was made on 27 September 1987 to document a community festival day in the village of Dualla in county Tipperary. The recording features old farm equipment in action, including a steam operated threshing machine; competitions such as a sheaf tossing contest; and interviews with some of the participants and organisers of the event. Duration 01:20:31. The second recording was made in Thurles on 1 November 1987 to capture the atmosphere before, during and after the Tipperary County Senior Hurling Final between Cappawhite and Loughmore and to mark Tipperary’s 100th county final. The recording comprises a series of brief interviews with local GAA officers and former Tipperary inter-county hurlers, particularly members of the winning team of the 1937 All-Ireland Final. Interviewees include Michael Lowry, chairman of the GAA Tipperary County Board; hurler John Maher of Killinan; hurler John Walsh of Boherlahan; Thomas Joseph Maher MEP; GAA Tipperary County Secretary Tommy Barrett; hurlers Johnny Ryan of Moycarkey, Patsy Butler and Michal O’Dwyer; Pat Cullen, chairman of the Mid-Tipperary GAA Board; three members of the Drom & Inch GAA Club; members of the Seán Treacy Pipe Band; supporters of the Loughmore and Cappawhite teams; Jerry Ring, secretary of the West Tipperary GAA Board; Michael McCormack; Michael O’Mara, secretary of the South Tipperary GAA Board; Paddy Maher, secretary of the North Tipperary GAA Board; hurler Seamus King; local historian Tim Looney of Caher; Christy Doherty (son of the hurler Jack Doherty); hurlers William Wall, Bill Ryan (last survivor of the 1920 Bloody Sunday All-Ireland Gaelic football team); Paddy ‘Sweeper’ Ryan; Jim Lanigan; Denis O’Gorman; Jimmy ‘Butler’ Coffey; Mutt Ryan and John Kelly; Paul O’Neill, chairman of the Cappawhite GAA Club; Conor Ryan of the winning Cappawhite team; and Donal Mackey. There are also clips of people arriving at the Temple Stadium, the spectators, the match and the celebrations that follow. Duration 01:20:13.
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
- Béarla