Large crowd in attendance for unveiling of Michael Collins statue on Grand Parade

A large crowd that spanned the generations turned out to witness the unveiling of a new Michael Collins statue in the city centre this afternoon, described as “a monument for the people, from the people”.

The statue, located on Grand Parade, was funded through a crowd-funding scheme spearheaded by the Michael Collins 100 committee - a non-political organisation dedicated to honouring the legacy of Collins.

The site near the library where the statue was unveiled has historical links to Collins as on March 12, 1922, the so-called ‘Big Fella’ attended a Pro-Treaty rally on Grand Parade where he delivered a passionate speech to a crowd of what was reported to have been around 50,000 people.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, said that during that speech over a century ago, Collins “made a noble call about creating a better Ireland for future generations”.

While much has been achieved in the intervening decades, Mr McCarthy said Collins’ words on that day still ring true.

“Here we are over 100 years after Michael’s oration here, in a time where a ‘hard tilted’ efforts need to be made again, for ourselves and for future generations – across elements in particular of housing provision, hospital care, social inclusion, equality, community life, future proofing employment – what Michael called for a centenary ago,” he said.

Among the assembled guests in attendance was grand-niece of Michael Collins, Fidelma Collins.

“Thank you to everyone, on behalf of myself and the Collins family,” she said, addressing the crowd.

“The turnout is absolutely wonderful. 

Ms Collins lauded the work of Michael Collins 100 committee, who she said were the “driving force” behind the project.

She also thanked everyone who donated toward the cost of the statue.

“All your contributions helped us to produce this wonderful, iconic statue here today,” Ms Collins said.

Renowned sculptor, Kevin Holland, was commissioned to create the new statue, which is based on the iconic 1922 photograph of Collins with a Pierce bicycle.

Mr Holland also created the landmark statue of Collins in Clonakilty.

Michael Collins 100 Committee chairman, Tim Crowley, paid tribute to Mr Holland, describing him as “extremely talented” and a “privilege to work with”.

He said the statue, officially unveiled by sporting legends Ronan O’Gara, Jimmy Barry Murphy and Rena Buckley, will undoubtedly become a “big attraction” in Cork city.

Mr Crowley also thanked the city councillors, who last year passed a motion tabled by Fine Gael councillor Shane O’Callaghan asking the local authority to facilitate the placing of a statue of Collins in the city centre, with the funds raised by the Michael Collins 100 Committee.