Unlike his more famous oldest brother, 1916 leader Thomas MacDonagh, the story of Alderman Joseph MacDonagh, TD and has been largely forgotten. He has been referred to as 'one of the greatest young Irishman of his day' by a comrade and 'as one of the most bitter opponents of the Treaty' by an obituary on his death. His part in events of Ireland from the aftermath of 1916 Rising to his death during the Civil War after an illness during imprisonment reveal a devoted republican for the cause of Irish freedom.

This biography of a Sinn Féin activist, councilor, TD, Minister for Labour, director of the Belfast Boycott, as well as a political prisoner going on hunger strike three times reveal a charismatic, fascinating figure whose story has remained obscured until now.

This booklet by Gerard Shannon is the first biography of Joseph McDonagh. Is was created and launched as part of the 'Tipperary in the Decade of Revolution' series in September 2022.