BS: Statue of Michael Collins

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: GUEST,Guest, Big Tim
Date: 25 Aug 02 - 11:27 AM

"London shenanigans" bears little relation to historical reality. Dev was a wily old bugger, always in Ireland when needed in England and in the US when needed in Ireland, leaving others to take the tough decisions and carry the can. The Irish London delegation was threatened by all-out War by Lloyd George, one of the most skilful, powerful and toughest politicians of the 20th century. You have to take into account the utter determination of those who organised the Curragh Mutiny, the formation of the old UVF, the Larne gun running and the signing of the Ulster Covenant, some with their own blood. Remember too, Ireland was partitioned by the Government of Ireland Act of 1920, not the Treaty of 6 December 1921. Collins hated Partition more than most but what, dear GUEST, was the alternative? I think recent history has vindicated Collins realistic assessment of the religious and cultural differences that are still so important today. Thanks Fiolar for all the info on the Statue.

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 02 - 10:00 AM

I'd be quite surprised to see Sinn Fein well represented at such an event, considering what happened to the six counties as a result of Michael Collin's London shenanigans.

As to the anticipated vandalism of the statute, and why should this one escape the time honored Irish tradition?

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: Fiolar
Date: 25 Aug 02 - 05:42 AM

Bertie wasn't there. The government was "represented" by Joe Walsh, Agriculture Minister. Tim Pat Coogan who wrote a book about Michael gave what I thought was a long winded speech which went over the designated time of 8pm. Liam Neeson received the best ovation of the night. Michael Collins' two nieces Joan Burnworth and Nancy Hurley were also present and laid two wreaths the foot of the monument. His grand-niece Nora Owen was also present. The statue itself was designed and cast by sculptor Kevin Holland and is approximately seven feet high and is on a granite pedestal. It shows him in civilian clothes and is based on a photograph taken when he attended an election rally in Clonakilty in 1922. Impossible to get near it on the night due to the crowds but I managede to get some great photos thanks to the zoom facility on the camera. An additional souvenir of the day is a reproduction of the newspaper "The West Cork People" of which his brother-in-law was editor. All in all a tribute which was long overdue and which I wouldn't have missed for the world.
Pooka: Dev was in Lincoln jail and there are some including myself who reckon that Michael should have left him there. mind you, I suppose it's all immaterial now. No comment so far from Sinn Fein (as far as I am aware). My brother was quite annoyed at what appeared to be scant coverage by RTE as he said there will be something like five hours given over to the upcoming "Rose of Tralee."

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: The Pooka
Date: 25 Aug 02 - 12:48 AM

Hm. I suppose not.

Fascinating relationship: I liked the movie dialogue when Collins is trying to spring Dev from (Brixton??) prison. Bigfella (through cell door): "Dev! The fookin' key broke!" Longfella: "There is no need for such profanity, Michael."

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 08:21 PM

Describe the statue, would you? And what has public reaction been?

The Big Fella, and his relationship with the Long Fella, is facinating. As to whether Dev actually had a hand in his death, I don't know that we will ever know.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 07:09 PM

I think that Del said that history would vindicate The Big Guy and that is certainly happening.

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: The Pooka
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 06:55 PM

Did de Valera in fact bear responsibility in regard to Collins's death? I'm thinking of the movie. What is the historical truth?

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 11:43 AM

I think it's wonderful, but I can't help but wonder how long it will take for some fanatic to vandalize it......

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: The Pooka
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 11:33 AM

Ohhh, boy, so would I. Thanks Fiolar. Did Bertie & other politicoes orate? Will ye tell us more? (How is *SF* handling this well-deserved rehabilitation of The Big Fella?)

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: JedMarum
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 08:40 AM

I would like to have been there.

Subject: RE: BS: Statue of Michael Collins
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 08:35 AM

Dev admitted that history would do justice to Collins, at his own expense. It's beginning to happen at last.

Subject: Statue of Michael Collins
From: Fiolar
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 07:35 AM

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.