James Sreenan

Who is James Sreenan?

Lt. General James Sreenan is a former Irish Defence Forces Chief of Staff.

A native of Ballymote, County Sligo, Sreenan has been a member of the army since 1963, serving initially with the 5th Infantry Battalion, as well as 8th Infantry Battalion and 20th Infantry Battalion FCA. In 1970 he was appointed Assistant QuarterMaster of the 5th, and Company Commander in 1979. Prior to 1985 his assignments included Asst QM at McKee Barracks, Instructor at Military College, and Chief Instructor at Cadet School.

His overseas experience includes; Platoon Commander, UNFICYP, 1967; Military Observer, UNTSO, 1975; Battalion Commander 76 Inf Bn UNIFIL, 1994; Deputy Force Commander UNIFIL 1999–2000.

He moved to the Chief of Staff branch in 1985. He was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff Support in February 2000 following three tours of duty in the Lebanon. He was appointed Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces on 21 February 2004 to succeed Lt. General Colm Mangan.

Lt. General Sreenan announced his retirement from active duty in early 2007 and officially stood down from the office of Chief of Staff on 28 June 2007, to be succeeded by the then Major General Dermot Earley.