Leon Ó Broin
León Ó Broin was an Irish civil servant, known as a writer and playwright. He wrote many plays, stories and historical works in both Irish and English.
Life
He was born in Dublin, and joined Sinn Féin and Fianna Éireann while still at school.He was imprisoned in 1921 and 1922 and afterwards joined the Free State army as a non-combatant. In 1924 he was the first Administrative Officer appointed by the new Free State civil service, where he worked mainly in the Department of Finance. He was Secretary of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs from 1948 to 1967.
Together with Frank Duff he formed the Pillar of Fire Society in 1942, for Catholic-Jewish dialogue, after rumours about the killing of Jews in Europe starting coming through to Ireland. He presented a paper at the first meeting, helped by a Jewish colleague and friend, Laurence Elyan.
Writings
Books in Irish
- Arus na nGábhadh agus Scéalta Eile
- Ag Strachadh leis an Saol agus Scéalta Eile
- An Rún agus Scéalta Eile
- Parnell
- Miss Crookshank agus Emmet
- Miss Crookshank agus Coirp Eile
- Comhcheilg sa Chaisleán
- Na Sasanaigh agus Eirí Amach na Cásca.
- ''An Maidíneach: Staraí na nÉireannach Aontaithe''
Plays
- Slan Muirisg
- An Boisgín Ceoil
- An Oíche úd i mBeithil.
Translations
- An Fuadach ''Kidnapped by R L Stevenson
- Cogadh na Reann War of the Worlds'' by H.G. Wells