Tipperary author launches new book exploring the myths behind the legendary Dan Breen

A turnout of more than 300 people was on hand at the Ballykisteen Hotel, Limerick Junction, for the launch of the new biography on Dan Breen by local historian John Connors.

A musical prelude to the evening was provided by the Cabragh Wetlands Choir, under the able stewardship of Una Crowe.

This part of the evening, including music, song and a monologue from O’Casey’s Juno and the Paycock was chaired by Liam Ó Donnchú, retired teacher and prolific writer of many books and articles on the GAA and on our national games.

For the main event of the evening, Liam vacated the chair which was then occupied by Nenagh’s Dr Caitlin White, who holds a Doctorate in History from Trinity College.

John Flannery, former president of Ormond Historical Society and founder member of Tipperary in the Decade of Revolution history group, then took the podium. John reiterated that group’s ethos since its foundation in February of 2015, which is that all voices from that troublesome period of Irish history are authentic and valid, - and are entitled to be heard.

The honours for performing the official launch fell to Thomas Toomey, respected historian and author of The War of Independence in Limerick.

In his brief address, Thomas spoke of how the chapters of the book, dealing with Dan Breen’s life, from earliest years, through conflict, politics, business and retirement, revealed a side of the subject that is generally unknown or appreciated by the public.

In his address to the gathering the author, John Connors, spoke of his initial reluctance in taking on the project, which he almost abandoned at several junctures along the route.

Had not a new archival deposit come into his possession, he would not have persevered with the project.

He also spoke about the relevance of Dan Breen to the Ireland of today. How Breen’s attitude and disposition towards the Civil War, his entering the Dail in 1927, his support for African nations emerging from beneath the yoke of colonial oppression, his preference for pragmatism over entrenched ideology, etc, are values that could well serve the Ireland of today.

The propagated image of “Dan Breen, the hard man”, the impossible superhero would, the author contended, do very little by way of uniting the people of the country that might in time lead to unity of our territory.

The book, Dan Breen - The Man Behind The Myth, will be available in shops throughout the county during the coming week, and then throughout the country. There will also be an online facility available for purchase. Keep a lookout on the author’s social media pages for updates.

The author will be promoting his book at talks and lectures throughout the country in the weeks ahead.

The first of these will take place in his own parish of Borrisoleigh on Wednesday November 29, at 8pm in the local Community Centre, where the book will be available for sale.