Collins’s diaries show his love of Kerry Blue terriers

Politician and freedom fighter Michael Collins’s passion for the Kerry Blue terrier dog breed will be explored at a new exhibition of his diaries in Clonakilty.

The exhibition, covering the period 1918-1922, will shine a spotlight on Collins’s passion for the Kerry Blue, a breed he regarded as a symbol of Irish identity and nationhood.

In October 1920, while evading British forces, he entered his Kerry Blue terrier, Convict 224, in the first-ever Irish Kennel Club dog show.

Visitors to Clonakilty will have the opportunity to view diary entries from 1922, which reveal Collins’s continued involvement with Kerry Blues, recorded as political tensions mounted and the country edged towards civil war.

Also on display are Collins’s dog show programme, show entry papers, photographs, and other material relating to his dogs.

Interactive touchscreen display. 

The diaries have been conserved, archived, and digitised at the National Archives, and visitors can explore all five diaries via an interactive touchscreen display. 

The diaries have been loaned to the National Archives by the family of the late Liam and Betty Collins.

Mayor of the County of Cork Bernard Moynihan said: “These diary entries provide a wonderfully human perspective on Michael Collins.

“At a time when Ireland stood on the brink of civil war, Collins was still taking an active interest in breeding, exhibiting, and promoting Kerry Blue terriers. The exhibition offers visitors a unique glimpse into the man behind the statesman and military leader.”

Orlaith McBride, director of the National Archives, said: “Now in its fifth year, our collaboration with Michael Collins House reflects the National Archives’ custodial role in preserving and providing access to the State’s documentary heritage.

“This exhibition offers a special opportunity to explore in depth what Collins’s own words reveal about the man behind the public figure.”

The Michael Collins Diaries 1918-1922 exhibition runs Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm, throughout August, at Michael Collins House in Clonakilty. Entry is free of charge.