Robert Brennan, Republican, journalist, author and diplomat.
Archival History ↴
The collection was purchased by the National Library of Ireland in 2000
Immediate Source Acquisition ↴
Purchase
Content & Structure
Scope & Content: Brennan, Robert, 1881-1964 ↴
This collection relates to Brennan’s career in Irish politics and public life from his early involvement in Sinn Féin in his native Co. Wexford, his participation in the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy and subsequent imprisonment in jails in both Ireland and Britain, his association with various newspapers including ‘The Irish Press’, his diplomatic career in Washington from 1934 to 1947 and his appointment as director of Radio Éireann. Also included are drafts of his writings (predominantly his short stories), cuttings featuring his published contributions to ‘Ireland Own’ and some correspondence and documentation relating to his plays ‘Bystander’ and ‘Good Night Mr. O’Donnell’ and autobiography ‘Allegiance’ (1950). The papers also contain photographs (both early 20th century studio portraits and press photographs featuring Brennan at public events), fragmentary material relating to Brennan’s children (including letters of sympathy sent to his children following his death) and newscuttings.
Appraisal Destruction ↴
Permanent Retention
Arrangement ↴
The collection is arranged as follows: I. Literary Papers II. Political Activism and Career III. Directorship of Radio Éireann V. Family Papers VI. Photographs VII. Books and Printings VIII. Miscellaneous Papers.
Conditions of Access & Use
Access Conditions
Access with a valid National Library of Ireland Readers Ticket.
Conditions Governing Reproduction
Subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 2000, this collection remains in copyright. It is necessary to obtain the express permission of the copyright owner before reproducing any material from this collection.
There are additional Robert Brennan Papers held in the Department of Manuscripts of the National Library of Ireland, see MS 49,753/1-13 and MS L 356.
Descriptive Control Area
Archivist Note
Fiona Hughes
Rules/Conventions
NLI guidelines based on ISAD(G): General International Standard Archival Description. 2nd ed. Ottawa: International Council on Archives, 2000, and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
