A ’prison break’ letter written by Michael Collins and a rare signed copy of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence go under the hammer this month.

HOURS before his execution, 1916 leader Padraig Pearse gave final instructions about his business and personal affairs.

There was confusion tonight over the fate of a potentially historic antique pistol reluctantly handed over to gardai during a gun amnesty.

TWO Sinn Féin members were arrested yesterday during protests against the sale of historical artefacts associated with the 1916 Easter Rising, including the first draft of the Irish national anthem.

THERE were fears yesterday that the original, hand-written words and music of Ireland's national anthem could leave the country after an auction in April with a guide price of €1.2 million.

The Government could purchase the hand-written surrender note from the revolutionary icon Padraig Pearse which goes under the hammer this week, it emerged today.