Tom Cullen (Irish republican)
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Tom Cullen (c.1891 - 20 June 1926) was an Irish republican active in the Irish revolutionary period.
Tom Cullen | |
|---|---|
| Born | c.1891 |
| Died | 20 June 1926 |
| Occupation | Active in the Irish revolutionary period |
Biography
During the Irish War of Independence he was one of those who worked very closely with Michael Collins and was known as one of his "best intelligence men."[1] He was assistant director of intelligence (also known as 2nd deputy director of intelligence) which meant he was third-highest ranked in the intelligence department of the IRA. He was also the quartermaster general.[2]
On the same day as the Bloody Sunday (1920) massacre he was one of the gunman involved in the shooting of 18 suspected members of the Cairo gang.[3]
According to Irish Historian Tim Pat Coogan, Cullen and two other intelligencers broke the Dublin Castle spy system.[4]
He sided with the Pro-Treaty forces during the Irish Civil War and joined the Irish National Army, rising to the rank of Major-General.[4]
When the Irish Republican Army Organisation (IRAO) was founded, Cullen was elected organiser.[5]
During Collins’ funeral he led the procession carrying his coffin to Glasnevin Cemetery.[4]