New statue of the Big Fella to be unveiled
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Michael Collins speaking from a platform on the Grand Parade in Cork in March 1922 to 50,000 people. The new statue will be unveiled on the exact spot where he gave the famous speech.Image 2 of 5
At the launch of the Cork City Statue project at Cork City Hall with a 12 inch model of the statue were Fidelma Collins (grand niece), Sculptor Kevin Holland and Nora Owen (grand niece). Photo: Billy McGillImage 3 of 5
The Michael Collins 100 Committee and councillors at the launch of the Michael Collins Cork City statue project, with an original Pierce Bicycle ( Johnstown Castle Museum).Noel Scannell, Jerry Carey, Connie Kelleher, Fidelma Collins (Grand Niece) Dwayne Crowley, Traolach O’Donnabháin, Tim Crowley and Councillor Shane O’Callaghan. Photo: Billy Mcgill Billy McGillImage 4 of 5
Tadhg Crowley relative of Michael Collins standing with a vintage bicycle in front of Cork City Library on the Grand Parade, close to the site of the new Collins Statue. Photo: Billy McGill Billy McGillImage 5 of 5
Michael Collins standing with a bicycle at the Pierce bicycle factory in Wexford during a visit there in April 1922. The new Cork Statue is largely based on this photograph.Sporting legends Ronan O’Gara, Jimmy Barry Murphy, and Rena Buckley, alongside Michael Collins' family will unveil a highly anticipated statue of Collins this Friday 20 October, at Cork city's Grand Parade—where Collins delivered one of his famous public speeches.
The near life-sized 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 endeavor.
The public is invited to attend the unveiling ceremony at 12pm outside Cork City Library on Grand Parade.
The site was chosen as it has historical links to Collins. On 12 March 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 22 August 1922 on his journey from the Imperial Hotel, where he spent his last night, on 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.
Adding to the significance, the armoured car Sliabh na mBan from the convoy that accompanied Collins on the day of his death will be on show, and Cork singing legend John Spillane will perform a new Michael Collins song scripted for the occasion.
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 surrounded 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 turnout, 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.”