Michael Brennan (Lieutenant-General)

Lieutenant-General Michael Brennan (2 February 1896 – 24 October 1986) was the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces from October 1931 until January 1940.

Michael Brennan
Brennan during the civil war c. 1922
Born(1896-02-02)2 February 1896
Meelick, County Clare, Ireland
Died24 October 1986(1986-10-24) (aged 90)
Dublin, Ireland
Allegiance Irish Defence Forces
Years of service1922–1940
Rank Lieutenant General (OF-8)
Spouse(s)Bridget Conheady

Brennan was born in Meelick, County Clare, and joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood in 1911.[1] Two years later, he helped form the Irish Volunteers in Limerick city and soon he was training men in and around Meelick. He took part in preparations for the Easter Rising and spent the next five years in and out of prison and trouble, becoming the first O/C, East Clare Brigade, and later in charge of all three Clare Brigades of the IRA. This became the First Western Division, which Éamon de Valera reputedly described as the "best in the country".[2]

References

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  1. ^ Quinn, James. "Brennan, Michael". Dictionary of Irish Biography. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  2. ^ Michael Brennan (1980). The war in Clare, 1911-1921: personal memoirs of the Irish War of Independence. ISBN 978-0-906127-26-1. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
Military offices
Preceded by Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces
1931–1940
Succeeded by