By Cate McCurry, PA
Thousands of people are expected to attend a centenary commemoration of the death of Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins later today.
The event, taking place in Michael Collins’ native West Cork, will be marked be a historic address by the Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin.
Mr Martin will become the first Fianna Fáil Taoiseach to speak at a commemoration for Mr Collins.
He will join Tanaiste Leo Varadkar in delivering a joint oration, with the ceremony beginning at 3pm.
Michael Collins was shot and killed during an ambush by anti-Treaty forces on August 22, 1922 near Beal na Blath in Co Cork during the Irish civil war.
The identity of the shooter remains a mystery 100 years later.
Descendants of Mr Collins will travel from across the world to attend today’s event to mark the eve of the leader’s death 100 years ago.
They will join the thousands of people who will travel from across Ireland to mark the anniversary of his death.
They will gather at the ambush site, known as Beal na Blath, where the Michael Collins Memorial Cross is situated.
Mr Collins’ role in Ireland’s fight for freedom and independence came to prominence following Neil’s Jordan’s biopic of the leader and Tim Pat Coogan’s book, Michael Collins: A Biography.
Big weekend ahead. pic.twitter.com/lKsX32If0O
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) August 20, 2022
Mr Collins was part of the delegation which signed the Anglo-Irish treaty in 1921, leading to a split in the Irish parliament and to the Irish Civil War.
Kilkenny
People in the South East who wish to mark the day are invited to Kilkenny Castle for a reenactment of the ambush of Michael Collins.
Mayor of Kilkenny David Fitzgerald will open the event today that's is taking place in association with Kilkenny County Council.
Those who are attending are being encouraged to bring their own picnic area or travel chairs as this is a standing-only event and there will be no seating provided for attendees.
Be sure to join us in Kilkenny Caste Park this afternoon for the 100th Anniversary Commemoration Event marking the death...
Posted by Cllr David FitzGerald on Sunday, August 21, 2022
There will be live Irish dancing and music ahead of the official ceremony taking place at 4:30pm.
