Michael Joe Costello facts for kids

Michael Joseph Costello (born July 4, 1904 – died October 20, 1986) was an Irish leader. He was a rebel and military commander during the Irish War of Independence. He later became a top officer in the Irish Army.

Early Life and Rebel Days

Michael Joseph Costello was born on July 4, 1904. His hometown was Cloughjordan in County Tipperary, Ireland. His father, Denis Costello, was a school headteacher. His mother was Teresa Moynihan. Michael was the oldest of nine children. Sadly, three of his siblings died young from whooping cough.

A very important person in Michael's life was his godfather, Thomas MacDonagh. Thomas MacDonagh was one of the seven leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916. He also signed the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

Michael Costello joined the fight for Irish freedom. This was during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). He decided to join after seeing his father, a teacher, arrested by the Black and Tans. The Black and Tans were a group of British police officers. Michael served as an Intelligence Officer with the Old IRA. This group was part of the Irish Republican Army.

Military Career and Leadership

In 1922, Michael Costello joined the Irish National Army. He fought in the Irish Civil War (1922–1923). He was very young but showed great skill. Michael Collins, a famous Irish leader, promoted him. Michael Costello became a Colonel-Commandant at just eighteen years old.

From 1924 to 1926, he was the National Army Director of Intelligence. This meant he was in charge of gathering important information. He also studied at the US Army's Command and Staff College. This was at Fort Leavenworth from 1926 to 1927.

When he returned, he helped Ireland set up its own Military College. He became the Director of Training there in 1931. Two years later, in 1933, he became its Commandant.

Leading During The Emergency

During a time known as The Emergency (1939-1945), Michael Costello led the Irish Army's 1st Division. This division was mainly responsible for defending the south coast of Ireland. He was the Officer Commanding (O/C) Southern Command from 1940.

His division had many brave volunteers. However, they did not have a lot of modern equipment. Costello focused on training his soldiers very well. They practiced night operations and moving quickly across the country. They also became excellent at shooting and using explosives. This training helped them be ready for any challenge.

In 1944, one of his units completed a tough march. They walked 44 miles (71 kilometers) in 11 hours. Each soldier carried a heavy 40-pound (18-kilogram) pack. Costello also helped start An Cosantóir in 1941. This is the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces.

He was promoted to Major General in 1941. Then, in 1945, he became a Lieutenant General.

Later Life and Legacy

Michael Costello retired from the Army in 1946. After his military career, he became a successful businessman. He was the managing director of the Irish Sugar Company. In 1957, he made history by buying the first electronic computer in Ireland. He bought it from Dora Metcalf.

Michael Joseph Costello passed away on October 20, 1986, at the age of 82. He is remembered as a key figure in Ireland's fight for independence and its military development.