Irish Examiner view: We can only speculate about Ireland’s ‘Great Beyond’

Michael Collins lying in state in Dublin. Collins was shot dead in Béal na Bláth, Co Cork, 100 years ago. Picture: Central Press/Getty Images

Given the totemic symbolism of Michael Collins in the creation and development of modern Ireland, it may appear to be a little slow on the uptake that this year’s centenary commemoration of the killing of the War of Independence leader at Béal na Bláth is the first to be screened live by the national broadcaster.

In a series of firsts, Micheál Martin will become the first Fianna Fáil Taoiseach to address the event, a platform he will share tomorrow with the Fine Gael leader and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, creating a sense of unity that did not exist a century ago.