"Distinguished Ennis Man Dead - Sir Frederic Fitzjames Cullinan, KCB
We much regret to announce the death, at 55 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin, early on Saturday morning of Sir Frederic Fitzjames Cullinan, K.C.B., Principal Clerk of the Chief Secretary's Office, Dublin Castle, from 1871 to 1st March, 1911. He was
created CB in 1894, Knight Bachelor in 1897 and KCB on his retirement.
Sir Frederic, who was born in Ennis in 1845, was son of the late Dr. Patrick Maxwell Cullinan of Harmony House, Ennis, and his mother was a daughter of Mr. Peter Fitzpatrick, Solicitor, Dublin. A sister of her's was married to the late Mr. Michael
Cullinan, Solicitor, father of John F. Cullinan, Solicitor, Ennis.
He was educated at Ennis College and Dublin University. In 1892 he married Elizabeth, daughter of the late Sir William B. Kaye, CB, for many years Under Secretary of Ireland. During his term of office in Dublin Castle, Sir Frederic Cullinan was
largely occupied with the strenuous work of the Chief Secretary's department, caused by the distress in the west and agrarian agitation.
In January of 1892, Sir Frederic had a very narrow escape from death. In response to a bell summoning him to the Chief Secretary's Office, he left his own apartment, and had only gone a few yards when an explosion occurred, completely shattering the
room in which he had been writing. It appears that some repairs had been carried out in the Chief Secretary's wing of the Castle, and that the presence of the workmen was utilized by some miscreants as affording a safe opportunity to explode
dynamite bombs.
During his long period of office, Sir Frederic had close official relations with several Lords Lieutenant and Chief Secretaries. He was intimately identified with Mr. Forster's administration, and he subsequently died a great deal of valuable work
in connection with the carrying out of Mr. A.J. Balfour's relief measures in the west.
When Mr. John Morley, now Viscount Morley, held office in Ireland, and a home Rule crisis was impending, Sir Frederic had a task to perform that called for the highest diplomatic qualities. During the viceroyalty of Earl Cadogan he acted as Chairman
of the Street Trading and Children's Commission. A very courteous official, and highly popular with all who met him in official or in social circles, he well deserved the honours that were conferred upon him. (From The Clare Journal, December 29,
1913)"