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22 August 2013
Memorial to Gen.Michael Collins, first CiC of the Irish Army

Kilmainham Tales attended the unveiling of a memorial to General Michael Collins in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Portobello on Thursday, 21 August, the 91st anniversary of the death of Collins in an ambush at Beal na Blath, Co. Cork, during the Irish Civil War.

This fine monument is a wonderful tribute to General Michael Collins, all the more so as it is a personal gesture by the men serving today in the army of which he was Commander in Chief, not an empty gesture by apolitical party. Drop in to see it some time, and take the opportunity to visit the fine musem just inside the Barracks gate..

This magnificent memorial was proposed and paid for by the soldiers of Cathal Brugha Barracks, in commemoration of their first Commander in Chief. It is in black marble, and features the famous photo of Michael, taken August 7, 1922, as he strode back from the chapel where e had attended ass. In the background can be seen 14-year-old piper Alphonsis Culloten. The memorial is sited on the very spot where General Collins was walking in the photo, identified following extensive research by by the Barracks barber, Private Noel O’Donnell.

Collins’ grand-niece Helen Collins was guest of honour and laid a wreath at the plaque. Lieutenant General Conor O’Boyle, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence 

 

Forces, gave the background to the memorial and added that he wished "to commend the men and women of Cathal Brugha Barracks on proposing and establishing such an appropriate and fitting memorial to our first commander in chief. 'It reaffirms the Defense Forces’ enduring loyalty and commitment to the memory of General Michael Collins, and this memorial is very much a tangible example of that, planned, funded and erected by the soldiers of this historic barracks in his memory".

The plaque was blessed by the Army chaplain and all present were invited to partake of light refreshments afterwards.

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