Taoiseach tells thousands that Michael Collins made a 'deep, lasting impact'

Colour party arrives for the commemoration of the centenary of the death of Michael Collins at Beal na Blath on Sunday 21st August. Pic Larry Cummins

Thousands of people are attending a centenary commemoration of the death of Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins.

The event, taking place in Michael Collins’s native West Cork, featured a historic address by the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

Mr Martin is the first Fianna Fáil Taoiseach to speak at a commemoration for Mr Collins.

In his oration he paid tribute to Michael Collins as "one of the great heroes of Irish history." 

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, leader of Fianna Fail inspects a guard of honour at the commemoration of the centenary of the death of Michael Collins at Beal na Blath on Sunday 21st August 2022. Pic Larry Cummins

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Mr Martin reflected on the vert first anniversary of Michael Collins's death. 

"As the first anniversary of Michael Collins’ death approached, a small group gathered in this place to honour a man whose presence was for them still vivid. Close friends from the army as well as his sister stood here in front of a simple wooden cross which one of them had erected. They told brief stories of his life and prayed for him before heading away, deeply affected by their loss.

"As we gather today to mark the centenary of his death, we do not have their direct personal connection with him. There is no one here who experienced his charisma, his youthful energy, his booming voice or the strength of his handshake.

"Yet this commemoration is an important statement of remembrance and gratitude. It is a mark of our respect for one of the great heroes of Irish history, a man who played an irreplaceable role in securing Irish freedom," he said. 

Mr Martin said that for the political tradition represented by Fine Gael, "this has long been a place to meet together and to remember a leader who has always provided a special inspiration for them."

Yet, he said that the site is also important for all who "honour and respect" Ireland's independence struggle and democracy. 

"It is one of the greatest achievements of the last century that different democratic traditions have worked hard to show respect and develop a new understanding of each other.

"And we should acknowledge the special role which the Collins family and the Commemoration Committee have played in this over many decades," he added. 

The Taoiseach reflected on the life of Collins, the impact of his death, and the lasting marks of his legacy. 

"In his short 31 years Michael Collins made a deep, lasting and positive impact on our country.

Shaped by the ideals of his community, he devoted his life to his country.

Crowds at the commemoration of the centenary of the death of Michael Collins at Beal na Blath on Sunday 21st August 2022. Pic Larry Cummins

He was a dynamic leader who could both inspire people and, in the middle of a bloody conflict, build a new administration from nothing.

He is a key reason why we have been able to build a country which, while it still faces major challenges, has been transformed for the better," he said. 

Mr Martin joined Tanaiste Leo Varadkar in delivering a joint oration, in the ceremony which began at 3pm.

Michael Collins was shot and killed during an ambush by anti-Treaty forces on August 22, 1922 near Béal na Bláth in Co Cork during the Irish civil war.

Minister Simon Coveney, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, leader of Fianna Fail, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine Gael and Minsiter Helen McEntee and Audrey Dalton, daughter of Emmet Dalton at the commemoration of the centenary of the death of Michael Collins at Beal na Blath on Sunday 21st August 2022. Pic Larry Cummins

The identity of the shooter remains a mystery 100 years later.

Descendants of Mr Collins have travelled from across the world to attend today’s event to mark the eve of the leader’s death 100 years ago.

They join the thousands of people who have travelled from across Ireland to mark the anniversary of his death.

They are gathered at the ambush site, known as Béal na Bláth, where the Michael Collins Memorial Cross is situated.

Mr Collins’s role in Ireland’s fight for freedom and independence came to prominence following Neil’s Jordan’s biopic of the leader and Tim Pat Coogan’s book, Michael Collins: A Biography.

Mr Collins was part of the delegation which signed the Anglo-Irish treaty in 1921, leading to a split in the Irish parliament and to the Irish Civil War.

A major plan to oversee the event involves multiple agencies, including the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and emergency Services.

A number of roads surrounding the area are closed and there is no car access or parking near the monument.