Paddy Cullivan’s The Murder of Michael Collins

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | August 22, 2023

Liberty Hall Performance: The Murder of Michael Collins

Michael Collins, a towering figure in Irish history, is celebrated for his pivotal role in the struggle for Irish independence. Born in 1890, Collins exhibited remarkable leadership skills from an early age. His involvement in nationalist movements led him to join the Irish Republican Brotherhood and later, the Irish Volunteers, where he honed his strategic and military acumen.

Prior to the Easter Rising of 1916, Collins served as a key intelligence officer, showcasing his effectiveness as a spy and strategist. He collected crucial information about British troop movements, enabling the insurgents to plan their actions effectively. His role in gathering intelligence marked the beginning of his influential contributions to the fight for Irish sovereignty.

Dublin’s National Wax Museum figure of Michael Collins

One of the most iconic moments in Collins’ life occurred during the Easter Rising when he led the retreat from the heavily fortified General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin. Under intense enemy fire, Collins demonstrated his tactical brilliance by organizing the withdrawal across lanes of open fire, minimizing casualties, and ensuring the survival of the rebel forces.

Tragically, on August 22, 1922, during the Irish Civil War, Michael Collins met his untimely end near Béal na Bláth in County Cork. An official report stated that he was ambushed by anti-Treaty forces while on a mission in the area. But no one else was even injured and the alleged gunman had no use of his shooting arm. The circumstances of his death have been the subject of ongoing debate, leading to various theories and interpretations.

The complexities of historical events often involve layers of interpretation and differing perspectives, making it challenging to arrive at definitive conclusions. However, the ongoing exploration of historical mysteries, like the circumstances of Michael Collins’ death, allows us to engage with the past in a meaningful way, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex forces that shape history.

Michael Collins Grave Glasnevin Cemetry Dublin

Funeral and Burial at Glasnevin Cemetery
Michael Collins’ funeral was a solemn and deeply emotional event that brought the nation to a standstill. Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects as his remains were transported from Cork to Dublin. His coffin, draped in the tricolor flag, symbolized the nation’s unity and mourning for a fallen hero.

Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin became the final resting place for Michael Collins. His burial at the cemetery was a moment of profound significance, reflecting his enduring impact on Irish history and his role in shaping the nation’s destiny. His fiancée, whom he’d been scheduled to marry on 22 August 1921 but delayed until October due to his military obligations, married another, but is deliberately just 7 graves away, the closest she could get to her first love, and named her first son “Michael Collins.” Over the years, his grave at Glasnevin Cemetery has become one of the most frequented in Ireland, serving as a pilgrimage site for both locals and visitors.