Leon Ó Broin facts for kids
León Ó Broin (born November 10, 1902 – died February 26, 1990) was an important Irish civil servant and a talented writer. He wrote many plays, stories, and history books in both the Irish and English languages.
Contents
Early Life and Public Service
León Ó Broin was born in Dublin, Ireland. Even when he was still in school, he joined groups like Sinn Féin and Fianna Éireann. These groups were interested in Ireland becoming an independent country.
Because of his beliefs, he was put in prison in 1921 and 1922. After his release, he joined the army of the new Irish Free State. He served as a non-combatant, meaning he helped the army but did not fight.
Joining the Government
In 1924, León Ó Broin became one of the very first Administrative Officers in the new Irish Free State government. This was a big step for the new country. He mostly worked in the Department of Finance, helping to manage the country's money. Later, from 1948 to 1967, he became the Secretary of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. This meant he was in charge of the country's postal service and telegraphs.
Promoting Understanding
In 1942, León Ó Broin and Frank Duff started a group called the Pillar of Fire Society. They created this group to encourage talks and understanding between Catholic and Jewish people. This was especially important because news was spreading about the difficult times Jewish people faced in Europe. León Ó Broin even gave a presentation at their first meeting, with help from his Jewish friend and colleague, Laurence Elyan.
His Works
León Ó Broin was a very active writer. He wrote many different kinds of books and plays.
Books in Irish
- Arus na nGábhadh agus Scéalta Eile (Dublin 1923)
- Ag Strachadh leis an Saol agus Scéalta Eile (Dublin 1929)
- An Rún agus Scéalta Eile (Dublin 1933)
- Parnell (Dublin: Oifig an tSoláthair 1937)
- Miss Crookshank agus Emmet (Dublin: Sairseal & Dill 1954)
- Miss Crookshank agus Coirp Eile (Dublin: Sairseal & Dill 1951)
- Comhcheilg sa Chaisleán (Dublin 1963)
- Na Sasanaigh agus Eirí Amach na Cásca (Dublin: Sáirséal agus Dill 1967)
- An Maidíneach: Staraí na nÉireannach Aontaithe (Dublin 1971)
Plays He Wrote
- Slan Muirisg (1944)
- An Boisgín Ceoil (1945)
- An Oíche úd i mBeithil (1949)
Translated Stories
León Ó Broin also translated famous books into Irish.
- An Fuadach (1931) which was Kidnapped by R. L. Stevenson
- Cogadh na Reann (1934) which was War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
Learn More
- Parnell Commission This was a famous conspiracy case that Ó Broin wrote about.
- Irish History
