Signposts for Collins’s death site stolen

THE organisers of the annual Michael Collins commemoration have appealed to souvenir hunters not to steal signposts directing them to the ambush site where he was killed.

Cork County Council is preparing to put up six new signs to Béal na mBláth after they were stolen and some allegedly ended up exchanging hands at car boot sales.

Commemoration organiser Frank Metcalfe said the council was preparing to put up six new signs, at a cost of €120 each, to replace six which were stolen.

He said the signs would be up before the annual commemoration, which is set to take place on Sunday, August 22.

“I had a phone call from a man in Galway who said he saw a sign at a car boot sale in Spiddle. I had another phone call from a man in Wexford who said he saw one at a car boot sale down there and it was being offered for €75,” Mr Metcalfe said.

Mr Metcalfe pointed out that Béal na mBláth was in a very isolated area near Crookstown and it was very difficult for tourists to find if direction signs had been stolen,

“We’re appealing to people not to take them,” Mr Metcalfe said.

MEP Simon Coveney has been chosen to give the oration at the commemoration site this year.

Up to 2,000 people are expected to attend.

The Collins family will be represented at the ceremony by Michael’s grand-niece, Eleanor.

The commemoration will start at 3pm.