He was an associate of other Cork Fenians Brian Dillon, James Mountaine and John Lynch.
A grocer for a time, Geary operated a pub at 27 North Main Street, Cork which was a regular meeting place of local Fenians.
[2] After changing profession to being a publican, local Fenian meetings and lectures were often held at Geary's pub.
[12] A person matching his description stayed at a hotel in Waterford but police were unable to locate Geary.
[14] A satirical article in the Cork Examiner claimed that Geary was a traitor to the Irish Republican Brotherhood.