The Big Fella to stand tall

Sporting legends Ronan O’Gara, Jimmy Barry Murphy, and Rena Buckley, alongside Michael Collins' family will unveil a highly anticipated statue of Michael Collins on Friday 20 October, at Cork City's Grand Parade—where Collins delivered one of his famous public speeches.

The near lifesize statue depicts Collins standing alongside a bicycle, reminiscent of the iconic 1922 photograph taken in Wexford, highlighting his cycling days in Dublin despite having a bounty on his head.

Renowned sculptor Kevin Holland crafted the statue, funded through a crowd-funding scheme led by the Michael Collins 100 committee, making it a "monument for the people, from the people". The names of all contributors are stored in a time capsule placed in the statue's plinth. Holland, known for the Clonakilty statue of Collins, spearheaded this artistic endeavour.

The public is invited to attend the unveiling ceremony at 12 pm outside Cork City Library on Grand Parade.

The site was chosen as it has historical links to Collins. On March 12, 1922, the ‘Big Fella’ attended a rally on Grand Parade. That day, Collins delivered a passionate speech to a reported crowd of 50,000 people.

Collins’ convoy would have also passed the spot early on the morning of August 22 1922, on his journey from the Imperial Hotel, where he spent his last night, en route to Béal na Bláth where he was shot dead later that day. It is also possible that his body passed the location in the early hours of the following morning.

Cast in Germany, the bronze statue is currently in Macroom for the final coat of bronze paint. Placed at ground level, symbolising Collins' grassroots approach during the War of Independence, the statue is set within a carved limestone paving surround with information on Collins’ life.

Michael Collins 100 Committee chairman Tim Crowley said: “We’re inviting everyone to join us for this momentous occasion and are honoured to have three Cork sporting legends unveil the statue - all extraordinary people in their own right like Collins himself.”

“We are expecting a large turn-out, so I would advise anyone who wishes to attend to get there before 12 midday. It should be a great day and a fitting tribute to Cork’s and Ireland’s greatest hero.”

For more, see michaelcollinsstatue.com.