Mick Clifford: Collins and Griffith legacies inadequately commemorated

The President of the State that Collins was instrumental in founding will not be at Béal na Bláth for his centenary commemoration. The ceremony is not commensurate with what he had achieved in life, writes Mick Clifford

In the years after his death, there were small commemorations for Collins at Béal na Bláth. During the 1930s, the occasion was marred by the appearance of Eoin O’Duffy’s Blueshirts and clashes with those who opposed the fascist outfit. Photo: Independent News And Media/Getty Images

HOW differently would Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith now be remembered if they had both died nine months earlier? How different would their respective legacies be today? 

Last Sunday, as the heatwave shimmered and shone, Griffith was remembered in Glasnevin Cemetery. The Collins/Griffith commemoration is an annual event now, but this one marked the centenary of their respective deaths. In reality, it was more focused on Griffith as Collins will be remembered at the much larger event in Béal na Bláth tomorrow.