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Gearoid O’Sullivan, and the importance of witness statements 1924 | Adoption of the Tricolour

Like others involved in the 1916 Rising and Civil War, in 1924 Gearoid O'Sullivan applied for a pension from the Military Service Pensions Board. 

Witness statements were used by the Pensions Board to back up a persons claim that they served for their country.  Witness statements and applications can be viewed on the Military Archives website, and provide a great insight into the history of Ireland 1916 - 1922.

OSullivan service pension application 1925
OSullivan service pension application 1925

In Your Opinion

  1. When did O’Sullivan resign from the defence forces?
  2. What rank did he has at the end of his career?

An TÓglách, 26 March 1923

Gearoid OSullivan, Adjutant General, An TOglach, 26 March 1923, p1
Gearoid OSullivan, Adjutant General, An TOglach, 26 March 1923, p1

Picture: Gearoid O’Sullivan, Adjutant –General, An tÓglách, 26 March 1923, p1

There is a profile inside the magazine, and all issues of An tÓglach are available online.

O’Sullivan’s statement of involvement in Easter week.

O’Sullivan’s statement of involvement in Easter week
O’Sullivan’s statement of involvement in Easter week

He gave only a brief indication of his record of service from 1916 to 1921.

Commenting on the period 1st April 1916 to 31st March 1917, he made four simple statements.

  • Asked if he had rendered “active service in the week commencing 23rd April 1916”, he responded yes.
  • He stated that his commanding officer was Sean MacDiarmada,
  • he “acted as Adjutant, Aide de Camp and body guard to members of Head Quarters Staff of I[rish] V[olunteers]”, and
  • “fought in the G.P.O. Dublin”.

 

 

In Your Opinion

  1. How many references (or witnesses) did he give?
  2. The address for each is given as Leinster House, Dublin. What special role does it play in Irish politics?
  3. O’Sullivan gives only a bare outline of his service in the G.P.O.; can you suggest a reason for this?
  4. O’Sullivan makes no reference to the raising of the flag. Why, in your view, is it not mentioned?

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