Michael Collins commemoration returns to Béal na Bláth 104 years on

What happened to Michael Collins at Béal na Bláth

The ceremony begins at 3pm at the Michael Collins Monument and runs until 5pm, with RTÉ Radio One presenter, author and historian David McCullagh delivering this year’s oration.

Collins, then Commander-in-Chief of the National Army, was on a tour of inspection of West Cork on 22 August 1922 when his small convoy was ambushed by anti-Treaty forces at Béal na Bláth.

He was shot in the head during the firefight and died at the scene, aged 31.

The commemoration is held every year on the Sunday closest to the anniversary, and takes in a procession to the monument, the laying of wreaths and a minute’s silence, followed by the National Anthem and the main address.

It is a fixed point in the calendar for anyone with an interest in Ireland’s republican past.

McCullagh said he was honoured to have been invited.

He added that “as Ireland faces an increasingly turbulent international environment, it is timely to reflect on that legacy”.

As RTÉ News reported, the L2011 at Béal na Bláth is closed from 10.30am until 5pm, with no vehicle access at the monument and parking 900 metres from the site.