Peadar Cowan (1903-62): Westmeath Gaa Administrator and Political Maverick

Peadar Cowan's life encapsulates the turbulent political landscape of early 20th-century Ireland, marked by his imprisonment during the War of Independence and subsequent military service. His involvement in the Gaelic Athletic Association and various political organizations, including the Labour Party and Clann na Poblachta, highlights his shifting allegiances. Cowan's advocacy for social issues, particularly the Mother and Child Scheme and institutional abuse, reveals his commitment to reform. Following personal turmoil and a prison sentence, he critically examined the Irish prison system in his later work, "Dungeons Deep."