Joseph Brennan (civil servant) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Brennan
|
|
|---|---|
| Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland | |
| In office 1 January 1943 – 22 October 1953 |
|
| Taoiseach | Éamon de Valera |
| Preceded by | New office |
| Succeeded by | James McElligott |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Joseph Brennan
18 November 1887 Cork, Ireland |
| Died | 19 March 1976 (aged 88) Phibsborough, Dublin, Ireland |
| Spouse | Evelyn Simcox (m. 1913; d. 1976) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Cambridge |
Joseph Brennan (born November 18, 1887 – died March 19, 1976) was an important Irish expert in money matters. He was a senior government worker in Ireland. From 1943 to 1953, he was the first leader of the Central Bank of Ireland. This bank helps manage Ireland's money.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Brennan was born in Cork in 1887. His family was from Bandon, County Cork. In 1909, he went to Christ Church, Cambridge University. He first studied Mathematics. Then he changed to study Latin and Greek, which are old languages. He did very well in these subjects.
In 1911, Joseph started working for the government. He first worked with customs and taxes. A year later, he moved to the money part of the government office in Dublin Castle.
Helping Ireland's Future
During a break in fighting in July 1921, Joseph Brennan met Michael Collins. Michael Collins was a very important Irish leader. Joseph became a money expert for the group that was working on the Anglo-Irish Treaty. This treaty was a big agreement that helped create the Irish Free State.
In April 1922, Joseph Brennan became the first Comptroller and Auditor General for the Irish Free State. This job meant he checked how the government spent its money. The next year, he became the Secretary of the Department of Finance. This department manages all of Ireland's money. He held this important job until 1927.
In 1925, Joseph wrote a long note about Ireland's money situation. This note was very helpful in talks about the Irish Boundary Commission. This commission decided the borders between the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland.
Leading the Central Bank
After leaving his job at the Department of Finance, Joseph Brennan became the Chairman of the Currency Commission. This group was in charge of Irish money.
In 1943, the Currency Commission changed. It became the Central Bank of Ireland. Joseph Brennan became the very first Governor of this new Central Bank. This was a huge responsibility. From 1928 until he retired in 1953, his signature was on all Irish banknotes (paper money).
In 1938, Joseph Brennan received a special honorary degree from the National University of Ireland. He passed away in 1976.
Further Reading
- No Man's Man: A Biographical Memoir of Joseph Brennan, by Leon O Broin
Hardcover, Institute of Public Administration, ISBN: 0-906980-20-8 (0-906980-20-8)
