Batt Culligan's name should be included in any list of forerunners of Ireland's present economic renaissance. He was born in Kilrush, Co Clare and was educated there by the Christian Brothers.
His early career in the Civil Service was very varied in the Departments of Posts and Telegraphs, Justice, Agriculture and in the Courts. In 1931 he was enrolled in the Customs and Excise Secretariat of the Revenue Commissioners. He was on the staff of the first President Douglas Hyde, and later, after a spell in the Department of Supplies served as Private Secretary to Scan Lemass in Industry and Commerce. In 1949 he returned to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, and in 1959 was appointed a Commissioner in charge of Customs and Excise.
He inherited a system designed for an Empire in which Commissioners sat back and Inspectors made the running. He soon changed all that, with economy and reorganisation, and the post of Inspector was abolished! He visited every post throughout the country and cut down the examination of every article at the point of entry by setting up depots more convenient for traders. He changed the attitude of the whole service by insisting that the interests of traders and industrialists had to be in the forefront of everyone's mind. He could impose his will because he was master of his subject. Never sparing himself he was a hard taskmaster. But his depth of humanity made him very understanding, and he was served loyally.
He was very approachable. His confidence and independence of mind enabled him to participate in solving the problems of industrialists without diminishing his loyalty and duty to the State. This created a good climate of trust and optimism. Maybe it was more than a coincidence that the revival of the Irish whiskey industry took place when T. K. Whitaker in Finance and Batt Culligan in Revenue were at the head of affairs.
Thanks to Batt's reorganisation there was no problem for the Customs and Revenue in adapting to European procedures. But he foresaw that Irish firms would need help to adapt. He gave generously of his time, both before and after his retirement, advising industry and traders how to cope with the single market's procedures. This helped many to feel European from the start.
His breadth of vision and charm of manner was recognised far and wide. He was elected and re elected Chairman of the worldwide Custom Co operation Council - a great honour.
Keen on all sport he was Captain, President and Honorary member of Clontarf Golf Club. Charitable from youth he met Agnes Darcy, his future wife, when both were working for the Society of St Vincent de Paul. They are survived by their three daughters and sons in law, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was never in the limelight. Kipling's verse is appropriate:
Bless and praise famous men
Men of little showing
For their work continueth
And their work continueth
Broad and deep continueth
Great beyond their knowing.