4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to deliver annual Michael Collins address at Béal na Bláth
The Michael Collins Commemoration is an annual event which takes place at Béal na Bláth, located near the village of Crookstown to honour the memory of General Michael Collins, the Irish revolutionary leader who was shot at the location on August 22, 1922, at the age of 31.
Each year, a commemoration is held at the site of his death on the Sunday closest to August 22.
Ms Carroll MacNeill said: 'It is an extraordinary honour to have been asked by the Michael Collins Commemoration Committee to speak at this year's Béal na Bláth commemoration.
'This significant event allows us to remember and honour the legacy of Michael Collins, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our country and its people continue to inspire us all,' she added.
Ms Carroll MacNeill continued: 'His legacy of leadership and dedication to public service is something I see as I visit our healthcare community around the country and their unwavering dedication to caring for people.
'I am really looking forward to speaking at the commemoration and reflecting on Collins's legacy and values,' she said.
The address last year was delivered by then taoiseach Simon Harris, while in August 2023 the main address was delivered by former RTÉ northern editor, the late Tommie Gorman.
In August 2022, there was an historic address by the Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin when he became the first Fianna Fail Taoiseach to speak at a commemoration for Mr Collins.
He was joined by the then Tánaiste Leo Varadkar in delivering a joint oration.
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.
Michael Collins was shot and killed during an ambush by anti-Treaty forces on August 22, 1922.
The identity of the shooter remains a mystery nearly 123 years later.
Descendants of Mr Collins will travel from across the world to attend the commemoration.
They will join the thousands of people who will travel from across Ireland to mark the anniversary of his death.
