Edward J. Cronin (10 July 1897 – 1946),[1][3] was an Irish army officer, senior member of Fine Gael and a leader of the Blueshirts.

He supported the Anglo-Irish Treaty and joined the National Army of the Free State, he was made a Commandant.

[8] In December 1933, Cronin was arrested and imprisoned for three months on the charges of sedition and membership of an illegal organisation, the Blueshirts having been outlawed by the Fianna Fáil government that summer.

[12] In October 1936, Fine Gael voted to suspend the Blueshirts indefinitely, effectively axing them and Cronin.

Most of Cronin's personal wealth had been tied up in the Blueshirts and following their demise, he emigrated to England to work as a printer.