John Mary Lynch was born on 15 August 1917 at St Anne's Shandon, Cork, on the second floor of his family home, which was within yards of the famous Shandon Bells. From his youth he was called Jack. A superb sportsman, he led Cork to several all-Ireland hurling championship victories. He died in October 1999 and the funeral eulogy was given by his protege and great apologist, Des O'Malley. Popular opinion is divided on the subject of whether he was one of the country's great taoisigh or a weak leader who was manipulated by others. But there was no disputing that Lynch was a gentleman, a thoroughly nice fellow.

Jack Lynch began his Cabinet career as parliamentary secretary in charge of the Gaelacht, then became Minister for Education, in which position his greatest reform was to abolish the ban on married women teachers. As Minister for Industry and Commerce, he carried on the work of his predecessor, Sean Lemass, and helped prepare Ireland for EEC membership.

The second half of this book deals with Lynch as Taoiseach when his greatest contribution was keeping the Republic out of the North; difficult relations with Ted Heath; leading Ireland into the EEC; and his success in the 1977 election, using the manifesto tactics that the Opposition used to defeat him in 1973. A final chapter will take the story through the bitter aftermath that ensued even at his funeral as he was laid to rest.