Tommy Coleman

Who is Tommy Coleman?

Tommy Coleman, Irish Volunteer.

A founder of the Clontuskert Company, Irish Republican Army, Coleman was sworn into the Irish Republican Army in June 1917 by Liam Mellows at Crossconnell along with "Eugene and Alfie Curley, Tommy Murray, Tom Shiel, Pat Joe Kelly, Jimmy and Michael Coen, P.J. Parker, N.T., Willie Cormican, Berney Fallon and Paddy Barry … Clontuskert Company was attached to the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Brigade I.R.A., the headquarters of which was at Ballinasloe."

Coleman maintained law and order as a member of the Sinn Féin police. He was frequently hunted by Black and Tans. He participated on the attack on Woodford Royal Irish Constabulary barracks with the local Flying Column. All members returned quickly, with Coleman in bed at home same night.

The following morning soldiers called. His mother told them he was out ploughing. They found him there, with two hours work completed, so it appeared he couldn't have been in the attack. He was Questioned, the house ransacked, but nothing found and family left alone.

Coleman received the Black & Tan medal with bar, and the Golden Jubilee medal to mark the 50th anniversary of the Truce in 1971. He received a military funeral.