Sean O’Faolain and the Catholic religion:Reexamining Irish National Identity

Abstract

In this paper we take a closer look at the work of writer and literary editor Sean O’Faolain, whose public debates on the influence of the Catholic Church in Ireland paint a much more nuanced picture of the process of forming the Irish national identity in the decades after independence. O’Faolain’s prolific career and his significant influence in the world of Irish letters lends us a window into a conflict often ignored in early XXth century Irish society. By examining O’Faolain's contributions, this paper aims to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between religion and national identity in Ireland. Its study can offer insights to understand the massive upheavals in the religious landscape of our own days. Through this exploration, we seek to underscore the enduring relevance of O’Faolain's work in contemporary discussions on identity, faith, and societal change. The methodology includes comparative literature studies as well as an in-depth review of the literature. The results highlight the tensions within the Irish identity and the importance of understanding its development.