Unchanged and Unchangeable

'Austin Stack, truly one of Ireland's bravest and best.'So said an unnamed mourner of one of the central Irish republican figures from the Irish revolutionary period, one whose contribution to the fight for freedom is often overlooked. From his role in the lead-up to the 1916 Rising to his senior positions in Sinn Fein and Dail Eireann and his participation in the Irish delegation to London to discuss a treaty with Britain, Austin Stack stood at the heart of the political struggle for independence. Behind this public role was a markedly private and self-effacing man who struggled with public speaking and often expressed doubt about his own abilities. Despite this, his reputation among his comrades was that of a figure of endurance and sacrifice. His devotion to the republican cause saw him endure multiple imprisonments and hunger strikes, which took a lasting toll on his health and led to a premature death. In this new biography, Owen O Shea reveals a man whose presence was often understated but whose legacy is deeply felt today, a man who deserves to be remembered for his unswerving devotion to Ireland.