Tom Hales (Irish republican)

Tom Hales (1892 – 1966) was an Irish republican, politician, and farmer. He was a prominent figure in the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War, serving on the Anti-Treaty IRA side.

Born in Knocknalyre, County Cork, Hales came from a family deeply involved in Irish republicanism. He joined the Irish Volunteers early on and played an active role in the preparations for the 1916 Easter Rising, though his unit did not participate directly in the rebellion.

During the War of Independence (1919-1921), Hales rose to become a commander in the Cork No. 3 Brigade of the IRA. He was involved in numerous ambushes and attacks on British forces and the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). He was particularly known for his courage and leadership.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 caused a deep split within the republican movement. Hales, along with many of his comrades, opposed the Treaty, believing it fell short of full Irish independence. He subsequently joined the Anti-Treaty IRA and fought against the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State in the Civil War (1922-1923). He held a command position in the Anti-Treaty forces in County Cork.

Following the defeat of the Anti-Treaty side, Hales was imprisoned. After his release, he remained active in republican politics, although he later distanced himself from violence. He became involved in local politics in County Cork and worked as a farmer.

His brothers, Sean Hales and William Hales, were also prominent republicans. Sean Hales supported the Treaty and was assassinated by Anti-Treaty IRA members in 1922, an event that had a profound impact on Tom Hales.