Hundreds turn out to commemorate Michael Collins in Kilkenny

Hundreds of people watched the Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment group commemorate the 100th anniversary marking the death of Michael Collins at the Castle Park yesterday afternoon.

Michael Collins was killed in an ambush by the Anti-Treaty IRA at Béal na Bláth, as he returned from a tour of Free State garrisons in West Cork during the Civil War. 

The event was proposed by Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr  David Fitzgerald last month at a meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor said:

"32 years ago another Mayor of Kilkenny, Kieran Crotty, took the bold step to organise a conference to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Collins birth here in Kilkenny Castle. At that conference for the first time, a cross party committee of civil war adversaries came together to hold an event to honour a man who shaped all our lives. This was the first event of its kind in Ireland.

“A little over 10 years ago, I too as Mayor led the first national commemoration ceremony outside Dublin after the government choose Kilkenny as the regional centre  with the ceremony held on the Castle grounds. I remember clearly, the significance of that event and the realisation that we faced into a decade of commemorations that addressed still controversial events and challenged many peoples deeply held beliefs.

"The manner in which the Irish people have remembered these events and the lives shaped and lost over this turbulent decade underlines our maturing as a nation and our willingness to commemorate without the need to glorify and celebrate. The cross party commemoration here and in Beal na Blath is yet another milestone on our journey as a nation.”

“As we look back at 100 years of Irish Independence, let us now look forward and accept that challenge that Collins set us that we as the children of an independent Ireland and Republic, where the people are sovereign, renew our resolve to face the challenges of the next 100 years, of our generation and the generations to follow," he said.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick also spoke at the historic event remarking that 'Michael Collins played a leading role in the military and political movement which finally brought an end to the British occupation in the 26 counties'.

"Collins was greatly influenced by the commitment and bravery of the 1916 Easter Rising – having been a young activist in the GPO.

"He was proud to be part of that great broad movement, which included different strands
of society and whose vision was guided by the inclusive and non-sectarian proclamation of
1916.

"After the shocking execution of the 1916 leaders, Collins became the inspiring leader of
the republican rebellion in the War of Independence.

"He showed brilliant military acumen in guerrilla warfare and created an intelligence
network that penetrated the occupying administration.

"His vision for Ireland was clear.

"Independence in a democratic state where the people determine their own future through the ballot box," he said.

"But today - we stand together, as different but respectful political parties to honour the 100th anniversary of the death of an iconic and great Irishman – Michael Collins." he added.