Bullman worked in pub with Sinn Féin activist Hanlon

DON BULLMAN, the Cork chef charged yesterday with membership of the IRA, worked in the same pub where Sinn Féin activist Tom Hanlon worked as a part-time bouncer.

Mr Bullman, 30, was head chef and manager of a pub formerly known as the Touchdown Tavern, near Cork Airport, a number of years ago. Hanlon, a painter and decorator from Passage West, also worked as a bouncer there at the same time, sources said last night. Mr Bullman also worked at the now closed Monkstown Inn and at the West End pub in Ballincollig.

There was no answer at Mr Bullman’s well-kept four-bed detached home in Fernwood Crescent, Leghanamore, Wilton, yesterday. A red Seat was parked in the driveway. The lawn had been cut recently.

It is understood Mr Bullman’s wife and three children left early yesterday morning to stay with relatives.

His neighbours were stunned by yesterday’s developments.

“He’s a sound bloke. We’re absolutely shocked. You just never know who’s living next door,” said one neighbour, who asked not to be named.

Mr Bullman is originally from the Glasheen area of Cork city. His parents, who have lived in the area for years, are well known and well-respected.

Neighbours around Liam Lynch Park said they are a “lovely family”.

Mr Bullman’s brother, John, is a musician who performs at Spain and Portugal’s top tourist resorts. He usually works the Irish bar circuit in Playa da Rocha.

Mr Bullman is also a member of Shandon Court Gym, where he works out regularly. He was a pupil at Glasheen Boys NS until 1985. Classmates described him yesterday as “a quiet guy”.

“It’s unbelievable. I remember him in primary school and he was a very quiet, unassuming fella,” one classmate said yesterday.