Andrew Cooney (Irish republican) facts for kids

Andrew Cooney (born April 22, 1897 – died August 4, 1968) was an Irish leader from Nenagh, County Tipperary. He later moved to the United States.

Andrew studied medicine at University College Dublin. This was around the time the Irish War of Independence began. He also played hurling for his college team. He joined a group called the Third Battalion of the Dublin Brigade of the Irish Republican Army.

Andrew Cooney's Life

Liam Lynch and other leaders at a meeting in Dublin in April 1922. Andrew Cooney is on the far right in the third row.

After a ceasefire in July 1921, Andrew Cooney became a leader. He was named Officer Commanding (O/C) of the 1st Kerry Brigade of the IRA. He helped to reorganize this group.

Andrew did not agree with the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. This treaty created the Irish Free State. In March 1922, he became a Commandant. This was for the 1st Eastern Division of the anti-Treaty IRA. This group fought against the treaty in the Irish Civil War.

Later that year, forces from the Irish Free State captured him. He was held in Mountjoy Prison. While there, he became the O/C for the prisoners in his section. He took responsibility for an escape attempt on October 10, 1922. Sadly, another prisoner, Peadar Breslin, died during this attempt. Andrew was released from prison in 1924.

In 1925, Andrew Cooney became the Chief of Staff of the IRA. This meant he was the main leader of the group. He held this role for eight months. After that, he traveled to the United States to raise money. He soon returned to Ireland.

Andrew also continued his love for hurling. He won his only Fitzgibbon Medal with UCD in 1927. His time playing for the UCD team ended when he became a medical doctor in 1928.

In 1933, Andrew Cooney helped to unveil a memorial. It honored Terence MacManus at the old Republican plot in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. After this, he was less involved in active republicanism. However, he often spoke at gatherings. He also helped start a short-lived political party in 1936. It was called Cumann Poblachta na hÉireann.

Andrew Cooney moved to the United States in the 1940s. He passed away on August 4, 1968. He was 71 years old. He died at Carroll County General Hospital in Carroll County, Maryland.

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