On Thursday August 22nd 2002, a statue of Michael Collins was unveiled in Emmett Square, Clonakilty, County Cork by actor Liam Neeson. The ceremony took place around 8pm, the exact moment when Michael died at Beal na Blath in 1922. I was fortunate to be one of the thousands from all over the world who packed the square to hear the various speakers and to applaud Liam. A moving experience and a fitting tribute to a man who was one of the greatest Ireland ever produced.