Robert Brennan (journalist)

Robert Brennan ( born July 22, 1881 in Wexford, † November 13, 1964 in Dublin) was an Irish diplomat and author.

Brennan worked as a journalist for the Enniscorthy Echo. He was actively involved in local and later national politics and helped to organize the volunteer militia in Wexford. Among other things, he was quartermaster of the local brigade. As such, he led the 1916 Easter Rising in Wexford and was consequently sentenced to death. The sentence was commuted to a prison sentence and Brennan was briefly detained in Dartmoor Prison. After his release, he continued his political activities, which in 1917 led to the re-arrest. In prison he learned Éamon de Valera, and became his followers.

Brennan involved in the founding of the Irish Press on de Valera's request. From 1930 to 1934 Brennan was their general manager. In 1934 he became secretary of the Irish representation in Washington, DC. Brennan in 1938 as chargé (ai) was used. In August of the same year he was appointed ambassador. In 1947 he and Brennan back to Ireland and was Director of Broadcasting at Radio Éireann. In 1948, he went into retirement.

Brennan devoted himself to writing and wrote many works. Among his best known works include the novel The Man Who Walked Like a Dancer ( 1951) and the play Goodnight Mr. O'Donnell ( 1951). Brennan's autobiography Allegiance was published in 1950. Many of his other works, however, were not published.

Brennan was married and had several children. The writer Maeve Brennan was his daughter.

Works (selection)

Novels

• The False Fingertip ( 1921) under the pseudonym Selskar Kearney
• The Toledo Dagger (1926 )
• Allegiance (1950 )
• The Man Who Walked Like a Dancer ( 1951)
• Ireland Standing Firm & Eamon de Valera: A memoir (2002, posthumous)

Plays

• The Bystander ( 1930)
• Goodnight Mr. O'Donnell (1951 )