The appointment of Andy (Andrew) Cooney as Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) while still a medical student was the highpoint of a military career which began in 1917 and was not to end until 1944. Prior to this he had served as a Volunteer, GHQ Officer, Brigade Commander and Divisional Commander before being appointed to the IRA General Staff with the rank of Quartermaster General in 1924 and Chief of Staff in 1925, at which time he was elected as Chairman of the IRA Executive. He was to retain the post until 1927. Afterwards, he remained close to the IRA General Staff until he emigrated to the USA. While in the USA he remained committed to the Republican Movement.