Big Fella’s three-day bash

It’s the kind of event that the gregarious Michael Collins would have loved: A birthday celebration in his honour stretching to a fun-filled three-day event in his home town of Clonakilty in West Cork.

Among the festivities planned for next month is an exhibition of work by schoolchildren, a gentle exchange of political dialogue, the showing of three movies and — mindful of the Big Fella’s sociability — a pub stroll to raise a glass or two to his memory.

“We want people to remember the character that he was in life rather than the manner of his death,” said Hannah-Rose Farrington, one of the organisers.

“He loved going for a few pints with his friends in Clonakilty and there are some pubs there that he would recognise if he were alive today.”

Beginning on Friday, Oct 12, the celebration of Collins’s life will be opened at the Inchydoney Lodge and Spa.

The celebrations will conclude with a candlelit Mass, complete with birthday cake.

Sponsored by Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce, the celebration is the brainchild of Michael O’Neill of Fernhill House Hotel, who hope a successful weekend this year will evolve into an annual week-long festival.

* For more, go to www.michaelcollinsbirthday.com