Richard Mulcahy

Richard Mulcahy (1886–1971) was an Irish revolutionary, military leader, and politician who led Fine Gael and held senior government posts.

Michael Collins: An Irish revolutionary and politician who led the Provisional Government and commanded the National Army during the Civil War. Mulcahy served as Collins’s chief of staff in the National Army.
Irish War of Independence: A guerrilla conflict from 1919 to 1921 between Irish republican forces and British rule in Ireland. Mulcahy helped direct the IRA campaign as its chief of staff.
Minister for Defence (Ireland): The Irish cabinet office responsible for defence policy and oversight of the Defence Forces. Mulcahy held the portfolio while directing the new state’s military during the Civil War.
Execution during the Irish Civil War: The Irish Free State’s execution of 81 anti-Treaty prisoners between November 1922 and May 1923. As army commander, Mulcahy was associated with the policy that remains the most contentious part of his wartime record.
Éamon de Valera: An Irish revolutionary and politician who led the anti-Treaty side and later became Taoiseach and president. De Valera’s anti-Treaty leadership placed him opposite Mulcahy during the Civil War.
Irish Civil War: The 1922–1923 conflict between supporters and opponents of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. As National Army commander, Mulcahy directed forces against anti-Treaty republicans.
Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces: The senior professional military appointment responsible for the command and administration of Ireland’s Defence Forces. Mulcahy’s wartime command developed into leadership of the state’s military establishment.
Cumann na nGaedheal: The Irish political party that governed the Irish Free State from 1923 to 1932 and was a predecessor of Fine Gael. Mulcahy’s postwar political career developed within this governing party.
W. T. Cosgrave: An Irish politician who headed the government of the Irish Free State from 1922 to 1932. Cosgrave led the government in which Mulcahy served as army commander and minister.
Irish Republican Army: An armed organization that sought to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent Irish republic. Mulcahy rose through the IRA and served as its chief of staff during the independence struggle.

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Cathal BrughaRelated: Mulcahy’s IRA leadership brought him into conflict with Brugha over military authority.