Michael Collins Died this Day in 1922

Today is the 92nd anniversary of the death of the Irish freedom fighter Michael Collins. The Cork man had taken the fight to the British and was the IRA's famed and feared Director of Intelligence. In the 1990s a film directed by Neil Jordan was made about his life.

Although he was the first Sinn Fein Minister for Home Affairs, Fine Gael more than other political parties have laid a particular claim to his memory and regard him as the founder of its party. He later served as Minister for Finance and Chairman of the Provisional Government. 

At the time of his death under the title of "Commander-in-Chief of the National Army" he was engaged in fighting republicans who had refused to acquiesce in the Treaty. That clash of loyalties gave rise to a bitter civil war during which Collins was killed.

Michael Collins Commemoration Mass on 20/06/1970

Purchase framed photographs and prints @ Irish Photo Archive