The Story of Tomas MacCurtain

The Irish Heroes for Children series offers informative biographies to inspire young readers to learn more about the fascinating men and women who shaped Irish history.

Tomas MacCurtain, a dedicated family man, took an active role in the War of Independence. Originally from Ballyknockane in County Cork, his love of the Irish language and culture led him to become involved with the Gaelic League, the Irish Republican Brotherhood and the Irish Volunteers. A dedicated father and husband, he was in command of the Irish Volunteers in Cork during the 1916 Rising in Dublin.

Tomas MacCurtain was the fist nationalist elected Lord Mayor of Cork in 1920. but was killed later that same year by men with blackened faces. This short biography will open up this fascinating figure to younger readers.