Michael Collins, one of Ireland’s most iconic figures, remains a towering presence in the story of our nation’s struggle for independence. Born on 16 October 1890 in Woodfield, Sam’s Cross, County Cork, Collins was a man whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Irish men and women.

Collins grew up in the shadow of the Great Famine, an era that profoundly influenced his early life and shaped his sense of justice and nationalism. His father, Michael Collins Senior, a respected farmer and scholar, played a significant role in nurturing young Michael’s love for Ireland and its people. Though Collins Senior passed away when Michael was only six years old, his influence left an indelible mark on the future revolutionary.

Michael Collins: London in December 1921

After working as a clerk in London, Collins returned to Ireland in 1916 and joined the fight for independence. He played a crucial role in the Easter Rising of 1916, a turning point in Irish history. Although the rebellion was quashed, Collins emerged as a key leader in the Irish Republican Brotherhood and later became the Director of Intelligence for the Irish Republican Army (IRA). His strategic genius in guerrilla warfare during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) earned him the nickname “The Big Fellow.”

Collins was instrumental in negotiating the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, which led to the creation of the Irish Free State. However, the treaty was controversial, leading to a bitter civil war between pro-treaty and anti-treaty forces. Collins, who supported the treaty as a pragmatic solution to achieve a measure of independence, was tragically killed in an ambush at Béal na Bláth, County Cork, on 22 August 1922, at the age of 31.

Michael Collins (Love of Ireland), 1922, Oil on canvas by Sir John Lavery. Photograph: Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane

Despite his short life, Collins left an enduring legacy as a patriot who fought tirelessly for Irish freedom. His contributions to the establishment of the Irish Free State and his vision for a united Ireland remain integral to our national identity. Today, we remember him not just as a warrior, but as a man of profound intellect and unwavering commitment to his people.

Collins’ life and legacy are commemorated throughout Ireland, from the Michael Collins House in Clonakilty to the annual Béal na Bláth commemoration, ensuring that his story continues to inspire future generations.

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