http://multitext.ucc.ie/d/Michael_Collins
By Tomás O’Riordan
Michael Collins (1890-1922), Irish revolutionary and chairman of Provisional Government; was born on 16 October 1890 at Woodfield, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Collins’ father, a small farmer, was sixty years old when he married twenty-three year old Marianne O’Brien. Collins was the youngest of eight children. His father instilled in Collins a sense of nationalism and taught him patriotic ballads and poems. He attended national school at Lissavaird. His schoolmaster Denis Lyons and blacksmith James Santry who were active members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) also influenced him. From there Collins went to Clonakilty Secondary School and studied for the British Postal Service. He worked briefly for his brother-in-law who owned the newspaper West Cork People. The local policemen described the Collins family of Woodfiled as ‘brainy’, ‘disloyal’, and ‘dangerous’. At the age of sixteen, Collins went to London and worked as a clerk in the Post Office before taking a job with an accounting firm in 1910. Collins later took up employment at a stockbroker’s office and in 1914, he moved again, to the bills department of an American Bank. Collins lived with his sister Hannie and moved in largely Irish circle while in London. He was a member of Sinn Féin by 1908 and he joined the IRB in 1909. He was also elected secretary to the Gaelic League and the Gaelic Athletic Association. Collins strongly believed that Irish Independence could only be achieved by physical force. In 1914 he became and Irish Volunteer and in the same year, he was appointed treasurer of the IRB for southern England, and became privy to its plans for a rising in 1916.
The introduction of conscription in Britain in January 1916 forced Collins to return to Dublin. His organisational talents were extremely valuable as preparations were made for a rebellion. His financial skills were also developed in the accountancy firm of Craig Gardiner. Collins spent much of his time at the Volunteer training camps. During the Easter Rising he was second in command to Joseph Mary Plunkett in the General Post Office in Dublin. Collins did not take part in the fighting. After the general surrender he was not considered dangerous enough to be court-martialled. Following the Rising, Collins, as a prisoner of war was sent to Stafford (England) and to Frongoch (Wales) where his magnetic qualities as leader emerged. Upon his release in December 1916 he became a prominent member in Sinn Féin. As director of the Volunteer movement, he drafted a new Irish constitution. Collins was elected to the Supreme Council of the IRB; he was by now an important figure in every major Republican group. Along with Cathal Brugha and Éamon de Valera, Michael Collins emerged as one of the most influential republican leaders in Ireland.
Following Sinn Féin’s victory in the 1918 General Election Collins was elected to the first Dáil for Cork South and for Tyrone, he was appointed Minister of Home Affairs and in April 1919 Minister for Finance. In the latter function he organised the Dáil loans, which financed the republicans’ alternative government. Collins and Harry Boland were the masterminds behind de Valera’s dramatic escape from Lincoln Prison in February 1919. During the War of Independence (1919-1921), he organised the supply of weapons and developed an intelligence system to produce information about military plans. Collins became the chief organiser of the British resistance campaign in Ireland. He, allegedly, had his own network of spies in Dublin Castle and other government offices. He also had a ‘Squad’ otherwise known as the ‘Twelve Apostles’ a group of specially trained gunmen, who were employed on a permanent basis and were salaried. As the War of Independence raged, Collins set up the GHQ of the IRA to replace the Volunteer Executive. On 21 November 1920, Collins’s Squad assassinated fourteen British officers, effectively destroying the British secret service in Ireland. In reprisal, the Black and Tans fired on a crowd watching a football match at Croke Park. Twelve people were killed and the day became known as ‘Bloody Sunday’. Collins’s authority and influence were felt at every level of the national resistance movement. The British Government recognised this and placed a £10,000 reward on his head, but Collins was never captured.
During this period Collins and his close friend Harry Boland, MP for Roscommon, vied for the affection of Kitty Kiernan. From the latter half of 1921 until his death, Collins and Kiernan exchanged more than three hundred love letters. In May of 1921, the IRA set fire to James Gandon’s 18th century Custom House. Its destruction was planned by Oscar Traynor, commanding officer of the Dublin Brigade of the IRA, at the suggestion of de Valera. The plan to destroy the 18th century masterpiece was opposed by Collins, but de Valera argued that the loss of public records would seriously compromise the working of the civil service. The building burned for nearly eight days and was badly damaged. Five IRA volunteers were killed and 80 wounded in the subsequent gun-battle; casualties to Crown forces were not revealed. Compromise was inevitable. The IRA was desperately short of men and weapons, and the British were completely demoralised with public opinion mounting against the continued repression. A truce was finally agreed on 11 July 1921, and Collins was chosen as one of the Irish delegates to negotiate an Anglo-Irish Treaty. Following lengthy debates the Treaty was signed on the 6 December 1921. Collins considered the Treaty the only as a means towards obtaining a 32 county republic and signed it with ‘great reluctance’. He subsequently fell into a mood of deep depression and wrote to a close friend:
…I tell you this—early this morning I signed my own death warrant …
Following ratification of the Treaty, there was deep dissatisfaction and resentment and the government split into pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty camps. The main burden of responsibility fell on Collins, as Chairman of the Provisional Government and Minister for Finance in the Dáil government. Taking over from the British would be no easy task and successfully carrying out government functions was difficult, owing to the growing state of anarchy in the country. A vicious civil war (1922-23) followed between the pro-Treaty Free State forces and the anti-Treaty group led by de Valera. Collins was Commander in Chief of the pro-Treaty army. The Civil War was even more vicious than the War of Independence, pitting brother against brother, friend against friend. On the 22 August 1922, during an inspection tour of the south, Collins’s convoy was ambushed at Béal na mBláth near Macroom in Co. Cork. He was shot in the head and died almost immediately. He was only thirty-two years old. His funeral was held on 28 August and the Irish Independent reported on the:
Greatest pageant of sorrow ever seen in Dublin: a cortège three miles long.
An estimated 300,000 people lined the streets of the capital as the funeral procession wound its way to Glasnevin Cemetery. General Richard Mulcahy, commander in chief of the Free State army, gave the oration at Glasnevin Cemetery and referred to Collins as ‘the fallen leader, a great hero and a great legend’. Collins’ death was even acknowledged by Lloyd George and James Craig described it as ‘a terrible loss’. Collins, ‘the Big Fellow’, had his reputation further enhanced by youthful martyrdom. He became for many the ultimate symbol of revolution; for others he was the ultimate pragmatist. Many biographies and memoirs have been written and Neil Jordan’s feature film Michael Collins (1996) ensured his contemporary iconic status.
Writings, biography & studies. Piaros Béaslaí (Pierce Beasley), Michael Collins and the Making of a New Ireland 2 vols. (Dublin 1926). Desmond Ryan, The invisible army: a story of Michael Collins (London 1932). Eoin Neeson, The life and death of Michael Collins (Cork 1968). Frank O’Connor, The big fellow (Dublin 1969). Margery Forester, Michael Collins: the lost leader (London 1971). Carlton Younger, A state of disunion: Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, James Craig, Eamon de Valera (London 1972). León Ó Broin, Michael Collins (Dublin 1980). Meda Ryan, The day Michael Collins was shot (Dublin 1989). Tim Pat Coogan, Michael Collins: a biography (London 1990). T. Ryle Dwyer, Michael Collins: “the man who won the war” (Cork 1990). Tim Pat Coogan, The man who made Ireland: the life and death of Michael Collins (Niwot 1992). Colm Connolly, The illustrated life of Michael Collins (Boulder 1996). Meda Ryan, Michael Collins and the women in his life (Dublin 1996). Ulick O’Connor, The troubles: Michael Collins and the volunteers in the struggle for Irish freedom, 1912-1922 (London 1996). James A. MacKay, Michael Collins: a life (Edinburgh & London 1996). Catherine Brigid Kiernan; León Ó Broin; Cian Ó hÉigeartaigh (ed), In great haste: the letters of Michael Collins and Kitty Kiernan (New York 1996). Francis J. Costello (ed), Michael Collins: in his own words (Dublin 1997). Vincent MacDowell, Michael Collins and the Irish Republican Brotherhood (Dublin 1997). A. T. Q. Stewart, Michael Collins: the secret file (Kew 1997). Gabriel Doherty & Dermot Keogh, Michael Collins and the making of the Irish state (Dublin 1998). T. Ryle Dwyer, Big fellow, long fellow: a joint biography of Collins and de Valera (New York 1998). T. Ryle Dwyer, The Squad: and the intelligence operations of Michael Collins (Cork 2005). Peter Hart, Mick: the real Michael Collins (London 2005). Michael T. Foy, Michael Collin’s Intelligence War: The Struggle between the British and the IRA, 1919-1921 (London 2006).
Please can anyone tell me if they know of any of Michael’s extended family. For ex: his father’s brothers, their names and Michaels.cousins. I can not seem ro find this information anywhere and have searched extensively. Would very much appreciate any info . Thankyou and kind regards, Vivienne.
Vivienne, Lesley Collins left a comment on the post entitled ‘the Grannard Connection’, maybe you could ask him by replying to his comment? Good luck, Tim
Hi, Vivienne, I believe my farther is related to Michael Collins, I believe our ancestors were Colin’s, he dosnt talk much about his family’s history but I found a death certificate statement saying his mother was a Colin’s Mary Collins, and I here my aunt talking about us being related to Micheal Collins
I’ve always wanted to know more
Thanks for any info.
The names of the siblings of Michael Collins Sr. This comes from a brochure made by the Arigideen Valley Heritage Park in Clonakilty so it should be accurate. They are Thomas, James, John, Dan (died young), Maurice (policeman), Paddy (Patrick) and Hannah. Michael Collins Sr. ‘s father was named John. His mother’s name was Margaret (Mary) O’Sullivan.
Marianne O’Brien’s parents were James O’Brien and Joanna McCarthy. Possibly Marriane either sister or niece of Patrick Francis O’Brien.
I don’t claim credit for finding this out – gleaned from many websites I’ve read re Collins. I am trying to link an Ellen Collins born abt 1835 and later married William Hartnett before moving to England.
Currently researching my own Irish roots in Clonakilty. My Mum and generations before them were all located around Bealad East, and the various townlands of Coolcraheen and Roscarberry and one or two more places scattered to the west of Clonakilty.
I would suggest anyone wanting definitive info on Micheal Collins siblings then, with a couple of exceptions, they can best be found on the free access Irish Census 1911.When accessing the site be sure on the small drop down menu to put in 1901 as your choice
Put in Cork as your County followed by Coolcraheen and add the townland Woodfield. House number 19 is what you are looking forHope this is of some use. Tony
Kieran Collins
kpcgen@gmail.com
Tony, did you see this comment and could it be of use to you? Tim
109.78.225.33
Submitted on 2010/10/09 at 11:14 am
Vivienne
I am part of Michael Collins extended family and have an extensive family tree (and hoping to expand on it) . I can be contacted at kpcgen@gmail.com
Regards
Vivienne
I am part of Michael Collins extended family and have an extensive family tree (and hoping to expand on it) . I can be contacted at kpcgen@gmail.com
Regards
Are there any pictures of Helen Kiernan?
Hi everyone,
My great grandmother always claimed she was a cousin of Michael Collins’. She came to the U.S. in 1900 and died in 1970. Half of her siblings remained in Ireland. I don’t have any documentation, but there’s a strong resemblance between my father and the “Big Fellow.” My father’s family was black Irish. I also have a cousin who bears a remarkable resemblance to Michael Collins.
My great grandmother was born in Clonakilty in 1880 or so. Her name was Bridget Cecelia Collins (sp?). Her younger brother Patrick used to go out on raids with Michael. I’m not sure if they were first, second or third cousins and would love to learn more.
My great grandmother revered Michael Collins until her dying day. Interestingly, she said her family was angry at him because he put her brother at risk (she was from a family of 10 girls and one boy).
Heidi
My grandfather was James O’Driscoll and always believed we were related to the big fella either as cousins or that he was a nephew. My grandfather’s siblings were Cornelius (Connie), Mary (May), John (Jackie), Kathleen, Gerard (killed aged 17 by a Black & Tan who lifted his mum’s skirt up with a rifle – and got shot dead in broad daylight while trying to defend her modesty, as his mates looked on, laughing), Michael, Patrick and Bridie (Bridget).
My grandfather’s parents were Michael and Bridget and Bridget’s maiden name was O’Sullivan, she was the daughter of Kate and Daniel Sullivan.
If anyone can help – especially Vivienne – with regards to how James O’Driscoll or, indeed, how I may be able to find out, I will be beyond grateful.
Contact me on: MrsParker71@gmail.com
Kindest regards,
Karen
P.S. Forgive any typos!
Hi
I am looking to find the names of michael collins mothers siblings, did his mother have a sister(or aunt) called Catherine ?
I think my family are connected to this side of michaels family.
Any info would be very much apprieciated,
My great granda had a painting of michael in his house in Derry,and as far as i know this painting was given to a gallery in dublin by one of his grandsons.
It would be great to find out more about this.
Many thanks
Paul
Hello. I also believe I may be related to Catherine O’Brien. I would love any information you have that branch of the family
Thanks
Cheryl
Where do your family come from, I would need to know more before I send any info on to you.
Regards
My great grandmother is Elizabeth Sheehan Mathers. Her birth certificate Lists her parents are Catherine and Michael Sheehan
Elizabeth was orphaned as a baby in 1890 and came to the states in 1904 on the White Star Line from Cork, alone at 14 yes of age
She told my grandfather, William Mathers, she was Michael’s cousin (their mother’s we’re sister), but spoke very about her family in Ireland
I have her mothers baptismal certificate from Rosscarbery, but haven’t been able to find and other info.
Cheryl Bleier
Hi
Sorry it’s not the same family as mine.
Hi, I believe that Michael Collins’ mother had a sister called Anne/Annie. Do you know where she ended up? Did she get married? In my townland in Tyrone here, the older people used to say that an ‘aunt’ of Michael Collins lived there and that he had stayed there on at least one occasion. The woman in question was an Annie Gray who died in 1935. Her husband was a Charlie Gray. Would appreciate any help in trying to establish if this was true or not. Thanks. Pat.
Hi, Pretty much finished research in and around Clon’ regarding family – see much earlier post -. (although it is a place that I will just have to keep going back to!).
With regard to the Collins genealogy I can add a little following that research.
.
Michael Collin’s father – Michael (1815-1897) was one of 6 children born to John and Margaret (nee O’Sullivan) Collins. They were, Mary, Hannah, Thomas, John, Patrick and Michael.They shared one half brother Jeremiah born to John and his first wife (? Fitzpatrick)
One of the sisters of Michael, Mary, married John Tobin who were my mothers great grandparents, John and Mary had 6 children all born in the Castleventry parish.One of the sons James, my mothers grandfather, married a Woodfield girl, Mary Mahony and they had seven children -all again born and bought up in the Castleventry area.
Nothing much changed for the next generation and a James Jnr. (my mothers father) married a Julia Reagan and they produced 5 daughters in pretty much the same area as previous generations had once laid their markers!
2 of the girls including my mother, subsequently left for England another for Canada. Of the two that remained one produced 14 children and the other 5, one of whom became a priest.
After nearly 50 years and now retired, he has has returned to live out his final years close to the beauty he and all the previous generations, despite the hardships, were blessed with in their youth.
I still have family in and around Clon’ and each year I am drawn back to sample again it’s character and enjoy its folk. If you can find the slightest ‘research excuse’ to do the same you will I’m sure find the Craic irresistible!!
Tony,i’m trying to trace my Collins ancestors and possible connection to the big fellah and hoping you might be of help,my great grandfather was born in cork and named James Collins(born 1849), he was a stonemason as were some of his brothers,they worked on the Adare Manor in Limerick where he met his wife (Johanna o riordan) from Askeaton and he settled in Askeaton,his brother also married a Limerick woman and settled in Adare,if there is a connection with any of the above I would appreciate any response,thanks,Francis.
My great grandfather John Tobin married Johanna Collins from Macroom is there any link that you know of ?
Hi sorry only just starting to do my fathers side of the family tree. My gran allways said she was related to Michael collins but not sure how. As a child you never listen to these things but the you get older you become more interested.Will post on here once I get a bit further.
I would like to establish if Michael Collins was an uncle of my dads.
My late dad and his siblings always protected us from the truth.
We think it is something as simple as marrying into an antsy tarty family.
a collins lady from clonakilty married my grand father jim Murray of Togher dun anyway towards the end of the 19th centurary.can anyone tell me if we have a famous grand uncle
Thanks
Michael Murray
Hello tony carmedy are you tom and Margaret’s son?
I am relateted to thomas collins.please contact me mavis.from swansea.thanks.07974076544
I remember as a child being told not to mention Grandma Collins (we lived in England) or we would be lynched. My Grandfather’s mother was called Johanna and I think she was one of the O’Brien children, Michael’s sister. I was recently contacted by a relative in Australia who is trying to trace my Granfather’s family tree, and I would love to be able to give her some further information. Our family was called Taylor. and at least three of them emigrated to Australia. Any information would be gratefully received.
love to hear from your australian relatives, family story, no reason not to believe, that my irish grandfather, also Michael Collins, was his 1st cousin, unsure of taylors link
Merry Christmas. When I contact the Australian cousins I will ask if I can give you their contact detailsd. Just heard they are coming to England in July .Lovely to hear from you. best wishes Hilary
my family also an MC and an irishman migrated to Aus in early 1900s (was a publican of several Melb pubs, a Melbourne city councillor & on NMFC AFL 1925 formation committee) info was my gf was son of Jeremiah, half brother to MC father
Hilary,i’m researching my Collins ancestors and was hoping that you might be of help.My great grandfather(james Collins born 1849 in cork) worked as a stonemason in the Adare Manor in Limerick where he met his wife (Johanna o riordan) from Askeaton, he settled there in the pub trade,he had a brother who settled and married in adare and also in the pub trade.
If you think there is a connection with your family I would appreciate if you would get in contact,my grandfather always said he was related to the big fellah.
Regards and best wishes.
Francis Walsh.
Hello Trish Squires – I am indeed the son of Tom and Margaret. Sorry just got your comment a few minutes ago – even though I see it was dated the 9th of January. Cheers Tony.
Trish – should have asked how come you knew that? The name has me puzzled – would love to know our connection. Thanks Tony.
Hi, My great-grandmother’s name was Elizabeth Collins and she said she was a first cousin of Michael Collins. Her father’s name was Daniel Collins. I was wondering if anyone has more information about Michael Collins’ uncles? Thanks
Michael Collins had a brother named Patrick married to Gertrude. I am Patricks Granddaughter
My husband Michael Collins lives here in Newfoundland.
They were told their Collins were formally from Cork.
Related to your Michael?
Please may we have contact with you.
Email. teresecarrollcollins@gmail.com
Much appreciated.
Thank You,
Teresa Collins
Hi Theresa I think your great grandmother was my grans mother in law and if this is so your great grandmother is buried with my gran.Im also trying to do a bit of My grans past .My email address is lizcleaver@me.com if you would like to contact me so we could share notes thanks
Hi Elizabeth, [your e-mail address didn’t work]
My Great Grandmother, Elizabeth Maria Collins, lived in Birmingham. She was originally married to a John Roe in 1913 [her father’s name on the marriage certificate is Daniel Collins] and when he died she married Thomas Woodward [my great grandfather]. She died and is buried in Birmingham.
Lovely to hear from you. My Grandfather was Robert Taylor , and his mother was a Collins, we were always told not to mention Grandma Collins (haha) being English we would be lynched, not a happy prospect for a child. If you find any connections to my family I would love to know. I am meeting up with Australian cousins in July who were also of the Taylow clan (there was a lot of them)
Hello there all,
I have just recently started researching into my genealogy and have come to a bit of a stumbling block when it comes to the Collins’. My great, great grandfather was born Timothy Titus Collins in Cork abt 1875 to a John and Mary Collins (nee Hassett). I have searched the records but get slightly lost. I’m not sure if it’s too tenuous a link but if anyone here knows the names or are able to draw a match with the Collins clan I would be much obliged to you. I am so curious and interested in it all. Thank you for your time. Alice 🙂
Hello there all,
I have just recently started researching into my genealogy and have come to a bit of a stumbling block when it comes to the Collins’. My great, great grandfather was born Timothy Titus Collins in Cork abt 1875 to a John and Mary Collins (nee Hassett). I have searched the records but get slightly lost. I’m not sure if it’s too tenuous a link but if anyone here knows the names or are able to draw a match with the Collins clan I would be much obliged to you. I am so curious and interested in it all. Thank you for your time. Alice 🙂
I am trying to find the connection between the Collins family and the Leonards of Co. Cavan. We know that Michael Collins employed a Joe Leonard in the Twelve Apostles and that he is most likely a collateral family member. My research has uncovered Kiernans and Maguires, names associated with the Collins and Leonard families however, I cannot find the connection to Michael. Can anyone help? My wife and her family are certain they are related to Michael Collins and so are local people in the Cavan area. Looking forward to suggestions or help.
Thank you,
Douglas Cochrane
My grandmother was Ellen Collins also known to family as Elsie, she always told us she was Michaels cousin. her father was John Collins married to Amelia Hammond. has anyone come across this family tread in the past. I assume John Collins would have been Michaels Uncle.
Hi John sorry only just started the family tree on my fathers side.My great grandmother was Elizabeth Collins married Hugh marshall but not sure if michael was her first cousin or uncle.Will keep you posted if I find out any more..
I am originally from cork and now live in Australia. I regret not finding out more from my grandmother before she passed.
Am I right in saying that Michael Collins family after his death had to flee north of the border