‘Often overlooked' Kerry revolutionary subject of new biography that will be published next week

A revealing new biography on the life of one of Ireland's most prominent, but often overlooked revolutionary leaders, is set to be published next week. 'Unchanged and Unchangeable: Austin Stack and the Irish Revolution' by Kerry historian and author, Dr Owen O'Shea, explores Stack's multi-faceted contribution to the achievement of Irish independence and the events leading up to his premature death. The book draws on Stack's extensive personal papers, letters and archive material to portray a markedly private and self-effacing Kerryman, who often expressed doubt about his own abilities but whose speeches, as a tenacious anti-Treatyite, attracted thousands of supporters across Ireland and America. Unchanged and Unchangeable Front Cover Highlighted in the book are Stack's innovations as a GAA player and administrator, his controversial involvement in the lead up to the 1916 Rising, his critical role in establishing the Dáil courts during 1920-21, his participation in the early negotiations with the British government in the summer of 1921, and his unwavering opposition to the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Throughout these events runs the common thread of Stack's devotion to the republican cause which saw him endure multiple imprisonments and hunger strikes, the heavy toll on his health eventually leading to his death at the age of 49 years. Poster circulated by the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1916 'Stack has always been at the very centre of events during Ireland's revolution, but he has often been on the margins of the historiography and often criticised or even ridiculed for alleged political and military inadequacies,' said O'Shea. 'I wanted to test these assumptions, and I also wanted to restore Stack to his rightful place in the story of the fight for Irish independence. 'Stack is a fascinating figure. He excelled at Gaelic football, captaining Kerry to All-Ireland success before going on to lead the Kerry Volunteers before the Easter Rising. Read more Killarney man hatches a new idea with artificial intelligence powered app called AIubh 'In his political career, he was shy, self-deprecating and dreaded public speaking, but he became a renowned and celebrated prison leader and hunger-striker, a key minister in the Dáil government, and a loyal ally of Éamon de Valera. 'Equally fascinating is his decision not to join Fianna Fáil when it was founded by his close friend and hero in 1926.' 'Unchanged and Unchangeable' will be launched in Tralee on November 6 by former minister and grandson of Éamon de Valera, Éamon Ó Cuív, and will be launched in Dublin on November 12 by historian and broadcaster, Dr David McCullagh. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme