Long-awaited biography of Tipperary legend Dan Breen to be launched

The long-awaited and much-anticipated biography of Tipperary’s most famous revolutionary, Dan Breen, will be launched on Friday, November 10.

On that evening, all roads lead to the Ballykisteen Hotel outside Tipperary Town, not too distant from Dan Breen’s birthplace at Donohill or from Soloheadbeg, the location generally credited as theplace where the War of Independence began.

Over the past number of years, Tipperary historian John Connors has been quietly researching into the life of Dan Breen.

What his research has unearthed and is soon to be published, is the discovery of a real person, hitherto unknown by both admirers and detractors alike.

From the initial publication of his autobiography up to the videos that presently do the rounds of social media, a certain image of Dan Breen has distilled into public perception.

How much of that image is in keeping with actual reality is a question that is minutely dissected in this book.

This coming publication does not overly dwell on military matters, outside of providing background or applying context.

It does not deal with deeds of daring or heroism, in whatever manner one chooses to interpret such. This work attempts to strip away the façade of biased interpretations and unravel some of the complexities and contradictions that might go somewhat towards revealing the true essence of the actual man.

The author’s hope is that for those who persevere to the final page, they can at least say; “I now know Dan Breen better.”

Breen’s youth and early influences, his participation in the Irish Volunteers and the actions at Soloheadbeg, Knocklong, Ashtown and beyond are discussed. The later contradictory accounts of various incidents are also examined, and an attempt is made to apply understanding as to how these arose.

His attitude towards, and activities in, the Civil War is dealt with at length, as is the period between the ending of that conflict and his departure for America in 1929.

The main section of this book deals with Dan Breen’s various relationships.

These include, naturally, his family, wife and children. His interactions with contemporaries in political life from all sides and factions are looked into.

A sometimes amusing chapter is his relationship with what is described as, God and His Agents.

Equally compelling but devoid of all traces of humour is the section dealing with Dan Breen’s relationship with his revolver.

A bitter court case involving the Lancegaye Glass Company and the irreconcilable enmities that derived from it are examined, as is his controversial involvement in the purchase of a disputed North County Dublin farm.

The final section of this book deals with his later years and some of the causes to which he lent his support.

His legacy as one of the most prominent players and recognisable names over a span of half a century is assessed.

The book contains many quotes directly attributable to Dan Breen, and a generous appendix features much of the written research on which this work is based.

The foreword to this book: DAN BREEN, - The Man Behind The Myth, is by historian, author and broadcaster, David McCullagh.
The launch takes place at the Ballykisteen, Limerick Junction, at 7:30 pm on Friday, November 10.

Limerick historian and author of The War of Independence in Limerick, Thomas Toomey, will do the honours of performing the official launch.

The evening will commence with music and song performed by the Cabragh Wetlands Choir.