Forgotten Patriot: The story of our first statesman Douglas Hyde

Forgotten Patriot is the story of Douglas Hyde, the first President of Ireland under the 1937 Constitution. He founded the Gaelic League in 1893 and was therefore responsible for the “cultural proselytising from which Irish sovereignty flowed,” according to Brian Murphy.

Hyde’s term as President was marred by ill-heath resulting from a stroke, but the author ably demonstrates that the President still made a very significant contribution.

The presidency had actually been the focal point of opposition to the new Constitution, as critics contended that designating the President as supreme commander of the Defence Forces would pave way for Éamon de Valera to establish a dictatorship.