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My Fight For Irish Freedom: Dan Breen's Autobiography
In 1919 a group of young men barely out of their teens, poorly armed, with no money and little training, renewed the fight, begun in 1916, to drive the British out of Ireland. Dan Breen was to become the best known of them. At first they were condemed on all sides. They became outlaws and My Fight describes graphically what life was like 'on the run,' with 'an army at one's heels and a thousand pounds on one's head'. A burning belief in their cause sustained them through many a dark and bitter day and slowly support came from the people.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1924
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 17, 2015
Along with Tom Barry's GUERILLA DAYS, one of the best accounts of the Irish Revolution by a major participant. The post-script written by Breen decades later is heart-breaking, as he stands at the grave of Sean Treacy (who died in a hail of gunfire on a Dublin street during the conflict) and remembers himself and his friend who were still such young men but, "we thought we had lived full lives."
March 26, 2025
Get your brits out
January 13, 2019
A personal account of the Irish War of Independence and the following Civil War. The author's fast paced narrative leaves the reader wanting for more. It was really interesting to read a colourful first hand account of these pivotal events that helped shape the early Irish nation.
December 1, 2024
Recommended by our fifth year Irish history teacher, Ó hUallacháin, this book along with General Tom Barry’s Guerrilla Days in Ireland, was one of the original accounts written by a veteran of the War of Independence (1919-21) and Civil War (1922-3). [We had different teachers for Irish and European history]. From south west Tipperary, Breen grew up in Donohill in difficult social circumstances. After leaving school he worked on the railways and was one of the workers who laid the C.I.É. marshalling yards at Inchicore, Dublin. Breen was a member of the Third Tipperary Brigade of the I.R.A. which initiated the controversial ambush on a gelignite consignment escorted by two policemen at Soloheadbeg. Both R.I.C. constables were shot dead. This happened on the same day the first Dáil (parliament) met in Dublin and declared independence from Britain on 21st January 1919 and is considered the beginning of the War of Independence. From that moment Breen and his comrades were 'on the run’. They refused to leave Ireland for the U.S.A. rejecting pressure from I.R.A. G.H.Q. Breen said they would stay and face the consequences to the finish. The ensuing story related by Breen reads like a schoolboy’s adventure story. Together with his closest friends Seán Treacy, Seamus Robinson and Seán Hogan (the Big Four) they took part in and led many operations during the guerilla war against the British and the R.I.C. mercenaries, the Auxiliaries and Black and Tans. Breen and Treacy on occasion were called to Dublin by Michael Collins to take part in I.R.A. Intelligence and Squad operations against the Viceroy and the R.I.C’s. G Division detectives. The book tells of the continuous state of living on their wits and constantly looking over their shoulders, which if not carried out diligently, often led to fatal consequences. Breen relates the excitement of aiming for independence, literally, while coupled with the sadness of losing their closest friends in action. One notes a significant change in tone when Breen writes of the Civil War and the deep disappointment and regret entailed at having the country partitioned and having to fight former comrades. As General Tom Maguire from County Mayo wrote, their hearts just weren’t in it any longer. Today, Breen is portrayed by some as over-enthusiastic regarding the application of armed resistance. I remember being present as the stories of those days were related in family kitchens by the elderly of Tipperary in the 1970s and 1980s. In speaking of the 1920s and their family experiences, it was the only time I ever heard well-spoken and conservative ladies, whom I got to know very well, curse vehemently regarding Ireland’s centuries' long adversary. Tipperary was one of the most suppressed counties in Ireland during the War of Independence and was placed under martial law. Reprisals carried out by the British Army and R.I.C. victimised families and communities who supported men like Breen. Young women faced grave danger as members of Cumann na mBan and, unarmed, undertook very dangerous intelligence and logistical support for the I.R.A. Breen’s My Fight for Irish Freedom was first published by The Talbot Press in 1924. The 1964 version, containing 192 pages, was published by Anvil Books and priced at 3 shillings and 6 pence. Dan Breen dedicated the book to his three closest friends Seán Treacy, J.J. Hogan and Séamus Hogan. There is a tendency in the current age to categorise men like Breen in a negative light due to their commitment to a military option for independence. Many families have suffered greatly due to independence-occupation related violence over the centuries. The leaders who failed to achieve victory through their efforts and died in the attempt like Tone, Emmet and Pearse are viewed somewhat romantically and as legendary heroes. Acceptable by ‘all’ due to their great epic of failure. While those who succeeded in achieving independence for most of the country are viewed as unnecessarily violent and on occasion ruthless. Unfortunately, history is often employed in the service of the present. I would recommend the reading of Breen’s book in tandem with some of the fabulous original sources available at the B.M.H. and M.S.P.C. online collections at the Military Archives of Ireland. My Fight for Freedom is what it says a highly personalised account of one person’s fight for Irish Freedom. Breathless in its pace, the book is a classic of the War of Independence and as such should not be dismissed.
January 23, 2018
It’s now 99 years since the Soloheadbeg attack that marked the beginning of the War of Independence.
On the same day as the First Dail sat in Dublin, abstaining from the British parliament, Dan Breen and the boys from Tipperary fires the first shots in the fight for independence.
The book reads like a movie with the hero always managing to shoot his way out of a tight spot and getting shot so many times you wonder how he survives.
Breen is straight forward and frank in his account. The killing of British agents were of no big concern to him. We only see emotion when faced with having to fight his own countrymen.
This book is part of a number of great first hand account of the Irish War of Independence and should be read along with Tom Barry’s and Ernie O’Malleys accounts.
On the same day as the First Dail sat in Dublin, abstaining from the British parliament, Dan Breen and the boys from Tipperary fires the first shots in the fight for independence.
The book reads like a movie with the hero always managing to shoot his way out of a tight spot and getting shot so many times you wonder how he survives.
Breen is straight forward and frank in his account. The killing of British agents were of no big concern to him. We only see emotion when faced with having to fight his own countrymen.
This book is part of a number of great first hand account of the Irish War of Independence and should be read along with Tom Barry’s and Ernie O’Malleys accounts.
September 27, 2024
Dan Breen: My Fight for Irish Freedom is a riveting and deeply personal memoir that takes readers on a journey through one of the most tumultuous periods in Irish history. Written by Dan Breen himself, a key figure in the Irish War of Independence, this book offers a firsthand account of his experiences as a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and his unwavering commitment to the cause of Irish freedom.
Breen’s storytelling is engaging and vivid, drawing readers into the heart of the conflict with compelling detail. His descriptions of ambushes, skirmishes, and the everyday realities of guerrilla warfare provide an immersive experience that captures the intensity and danger faced by those fighting for independence. Breen's recounting of specific events, such as the infamous Soloheadbeg ambush in 1919, is particularly gripping and highlights both the bravery and the challenges faced by the IRA.
What sets this memoir apart is Breen's honesty and introspection. He doesn't shy away from discussing the moral complexities of his actions and the impact of violence on both the fighters and the civilian population. This self-reflection adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to grapple with the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of freedom. Breen’s candidness about his motivations and the sacrifices made by himself and his comrades provides a nuanced view of the struggle for Irish independence.
Additionally, Breen offers valuable insights into the dynamics within the IRA and the broader political landscape of the time. His observations about leadership, loyalty, and the relationships between key figures in the movement add context and richness to the narrative. The book serves not only as a personal memoir but also as an important historical document that sheds light on the complexities of the Irish fight for freedom.
Overall, Dan Breen: My Fight for Irish Freedom is an essential read for anyone interested in Irish history or the revolutionary period of the early 20th century. Breen’s powerful voice, combined with his vivid storytelling and reflective insights, makes this memoir both an engaging and informative account of a pivotal time in Ireland’s past. This book is a testament to the spirit of resilience and determination that defined the struggle for Irish independence, and it remains a significant contribution to the literature on the subject. Highly recommended!
Breen’s storytelling is engaging and vivid, drawing readers into the heart of the conflict with compelling detail. His descriptions of ambushes, skirmishes, and the everyday realities of guerrilla warfare provide an immersive experience that captures the intensity and danger faced by those fighting for independence. Breen's recounting of specific events, such as the infamous Soloheadbeg ambush in 1919, is particularly gripping and highlights both the bravery and the challenges faced by the IRA.
What sets this memoir apart is Breen's honesty and introspection. He doesn't shy away from discussing the moral complexities of his actions and the impact of violence on both the fighters and the civilian population. This self-reflection adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to grapple with the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of freedom. Breen’s candidness about his motivations and the sacrifices made by himself and his comrades provides a nuanced view of the struggle for Irish independence.
Additionally, Breen offers valuable insights into the dynamics within the IRA and the broader political landscape of the time. His observations about leadership, loyalty, and the relationships between key figures in the movement add context and richness to the narrative. The book serves not only as a personal memoir but also as an important historical document that sheds light on the complexities of the Irish fight for freedom.
Overall, Dan Breen: My Fight for Irish Freedom is an essential read for anyone interested in Irish history or the revolutionary period of the early 20th century. Breen’s powerful voice, combined with his vivid storytelling and reflective insights, makes this memoir both an engaging and informative account of a pivotal time in Ireland’s past. This book is a testament to the spirit of resilience and determination that defined the struggle for Irish independence, and it remains a significant contribution to the literature on the subject. Highly recommended!
September 15, 2024
A phenomenal autobiography that clearly portrays (1) the conflict between the Irish and British, (2) the true chaos of grass roots guerilla warfare, (3) the indicators that a superior fighting force is losing its control, and (4) the complete separation of the military (IRA) and the politicians (Sein Finn). This would be a great required reading at military academies.
First, the author clearly presents major players at multiple periods of conflict. The early Irish Volunteers are shown to be unorganized, unfunded, and not supported by local Irish. The early British forces are shown to be a de facto authority with control over arms, the press, and law enforcement.
Second, the author clearly presents the grass roots fighting of uncoordinated individuals, the author being one of them. He tells of a raid, of killing police officers, of being wounded, and going into hiding for weeks or months. This pattern repeats itself from the beginning of open conflict (1918), through the ousting of the British, and finally into Irish Civil War (1922). It is truly fascinating to see the author recount so many parallel stories, the absolute shift of a culture from peace to conflict.
Third, in military terms, the author does the best job I have ever seen describing the transition from conflict in a non-permissive environment to a permission environment. The guerillas in the beginning had no money, couldn't use cars on roads, had to hide in the wilderness, controlled no roads, etc. As the years go on the author points to transitions of each. The British shut down small police barracks as they were too dangerous, marshall law was established in more and more places, the press began condemning police actions (torture, murder, unlawful search and seizure, etc.), and finally IRA units moving freely in daylight.
Fourth, the author repeatedly states that the military violence was never supported publicly by the Irish politicians and even in private few were willing to get mixed up with those conducting guerilla warfare. The author shows his disdain for these politicians. He eventually supports the politicians publicly in and effort to prevent Irish Civil War, which failed. During the Civil War, he was captured and imprisoned for two months by his own countrymen.
It is difficult not so side with the man and his beliefs.
First, the author clearly presents major players at multiple periods of conflict. The early Irish Volunteers are shown to be unorganized, unfunded, and not supported by local Irish. The early British forces are shown to be a de facto authority with control over arms, the press, and law enforcement.
Second, the author clearly presents the grass roots fighting of uncoordinated individuals, the author being one of them. He tells of a raid, of killing police officers, of being wounded, and going into hiding for weeks or months. This pattern repeats itself from the beginning of open conflict (1918), through the ousting of the British, and finally into Irish Civil War (1922). It is truly fascinating to see the author recount so many parallel stories, the absolute shift of a culture from peace to conflict.
Third, in military terms, the author does the best job I have ever seen describing the transition from conflict in a non-permissive environment to a permission environment. The guerillas in the beginning had no money, couldn't use cars on roads, had to hide in the wilderness, controlled no roads, etc. As the years go on the author points to transitions of each. The British shut down small police barracks as they were too dangerous, marshall law was established in more and more places, the press began condemning police actions (torture, murder, unlawful search and seizure, etc.), and finally IRA units moving freely in daylight.
Fourth, the author repeatedly states that the military violence was never supported publicly by the Irish politicians and even in private few were willing to get mixed up with those conducting guerilla warfare. The author shows his disdain for these politicians. He eventually supports the politicians publicly in and effort to prevent Irish Civil War, which failed. During the Civil War, he was captured and imprisoned for two months by his own countrymen.
It is difficult not so side with the man and his beliefs.
February 28, 2025
A good first-hand account of the Irish War of Independence by the man who fired the first shots. You get a sense of how unstructured the campaign was - there seems to have been little central control in the first year and very little popular support. And Breen and his comrades seemed utterly reckless in their engagements with the RIC and Auxilliaries. Stand facing the enemy blasting away as hard as you can until one side turns and runs. No regard for personal safety. Nor were the Crown Forces that quick to engage - several times Breen is recognized in public but the RIC men turn a blind eye. As if there was still an element of cat-and-mouse and shadow play.
December 8, 2024
I was given a 100 year old copy of this book by a cousin who knew my grandfather, the latter having fought for Irish independence and in the ensuing civil war as a Republican (anti-treaty). So, from that perspective, I found the book fascinating and a 5. Tho from the story telling, and the perspective of one man, it’s a personal journal which gives some insights, leaving a reader in wanting more. That being said, it’s what one might expect of a personal journal and at a time with difficult travel and communication.
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March 21, 2025I can't really rate this. It's an important historical document, rich in detail of Breens activities during the War Of Independence, in which he played a crucial and formative part, but lacking in certain other ways. But it's not a bad read, essential for students of the period or Irish history in general.
January 28, 2019
Pacy and engaging memoir of one of the leaders of the IRA in its struggle against Britain and then the government of the Free State. Should be taken with a huge pinch of salt, but quite revealing on how conditional the support of the Irish public was and how most of the IRA’s opponents were their fellow Irishmen.
March 8, 2019
re read this book this year as it's the centenary of Soloheadbeg and the start of the war of independence.
Breen's account is a highly readable account of the war as he remembered it, written in it's initiate aftermath, the last few chapters are rather brief as Breen largely glosses over the civil war aside from paying tribute to his fallen comrades.
Like all autobiographies Breen's account is subjective, he no doubt plays down Seamus Robinsons role in the IRA in Tipperary he also doesn't name all volunteers involved in the operations he describes (most likely genuine cases of not recalling all the names)
In his accounts of military action, and his justification for it Breen provides a useful rebuttal to the revisionists who play down the vital role of the IRA in starting the war of independence
Like Barry's and O'Malley's autobiographies Breen's book should be read by anyone interested in Irelands revolutionary period
Breen's account is a highly readable account of the war as he remembered it, written in it's initiate aftermath, the last few chapters are rather brief as Breen largely glosses over the civil war aside from paying tribute to his fallen comrades.
Like all autobiographies Breen's account is subjective, he no doubt plays down Seamus Robinsons role in the IRA in Tipperary he also doesn't name all volunteers involved in the operations he describes (most likely genuine cases of not recalling all the names)
In his accounts of military action, and his justification for it Breen provides a useful rebuttal to the revisionists who play down the vital role of the IRA in starting the war of independence
Like Barry's and O'Malley's autobiographies Breen's book should be read by anyone interested in Irelands revolutionary period
July 6, 2023
the descriptions of the gunfights are excellent. Also enjoyed his speculation that he was actually frequently recognised by police at checkpoints etc but they pretended not to know him because they didn't fancy it
April 16, 2025
Fairly entertaining, but a bit like watching the movie Commando. I like the part where he shoots about 20 British soldiers and then jumps over an 18 foot wall after getting shot 6 times and breaking his toe. I think he may have exaggerated slightly.
November 25, 2020
Unbelievable book. Recommend to anyone with even a faint interest in irish history!!
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September 19, 2022Been after this for a while, didn’t disappoint. A really important read and gave me a deeper understanding.
January 7, 2026
Men used to go to war
July 28, 2015
Dan Breen was one of the band who fired the "shot heard round the world" at Soloheadbeg: the opening salvo of Ireland's War of Independence. https://collinsassassination.wordpres...
His book is action-packed & extraordinarily well-written.
If you've read a lot of books on the period or none, this is a rare, unique, up-close-in-your-face view of the war on the ground, and life on the run, from the flying column men who gave & got the worst of it. Breen was front & centre in some of the fiercest action of the war.
He was also quite articulate, and most astute politically. He had a keen insight into the political issues; and was freely critical of some in the independence movement itself, as well. He survived the war & went on to serve in Ireland's national legislature. (Many of his comrades did not.)
April 15, 2009
Its a memoir, so its hard to hold it to literary standards. But I found his writing style to be atrocious.
I'm not going to comment on the content other than mention that its an important book for any historian of the war of Independence. The amount of memoirs which emerged after that war (And which, curiously stopped just at the start of the Civil War) means we have a very rich supply of primary sources to study it. Very interesting.
I'm not going to comment on the content other than mention that its an important book for any historian of the war of Independence. The amount of memoirs which emerged after that war (And which, curiously stopped just at the start of the Civil War) means we have a very rich supply of primary sources to study it. Very interesting.
August 5, 2011
"We refused to leave Ireland. We told them that we were not afraid to die, but would prefer to live for Ireland... Ireland´s fight would have to be made by Irishmen on the hills and on the highways in Ireland not with printer´s ink in America or in another country... arms were not lacking; but of what use, we asked ourselves, are men who are toysoldiers? Of what use are guns that have been oiled and cleaned but never fired?"
January 15, 2013
Easy read painting picture of life on the run for IRA man in early 20 th century
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews