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Michael Collins (1890-1922) Michael Collins became one of Ireland's greatest patriots. He was born on the 16h of October, 1890 near Clonakilty, County Cork the youngest son of Michael John Collins and Marianne O'Brien. He only knew his father for six years as Michael Snr died in 1896 but in that short time he was encouraged to learn poetry and patriotic ballads. West Cork at that stage was the heartland of Fenianism, and Irish Nationalist movement. Michael loved to listen to stories of the Irish Rebellions of 1798 and 1848 from James Santry the local blacksmith who was a Fenian also from his teacher Denis Lyons who was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. So Michael grew up with a strong sense of pride in the Irish Nation. Michael took the advice of his father and read works of Shakespeare and famous novelists of the 19th century. He subscribed to a newspaper called "The Freeman's Weekly" known for its goal for an independent Ireland. Michael enjoyed all types of sports and participated in all especially hurling and wrestling and won most of his matches. After finishing school Michael immigrated to England at the age of 15 where he worked in the Post Office. He joined many organizations in the large Irish community the Gaelic Athletic Association, The Gaelic League, Sin Fein and, in 1909 The Irish Republican Brotherhood. He stayed in England for a further nine years but it was always his intention to return to Ireland. Being a member of The Irish Republican Brotherhood was taking up a lot of Michael's time and the question of independence was center stage in his life. Events were being shaped to bring the question of Home Rule to the people. In 1912 The Home Rule Bill was brought before the House of Commons and met with stiff resistance from the Ulster Protestants. They feared the loss of their identity to a Catholic majority. Various volunteer groups were formed on both sides to defend their ideas. War was declared with Germany which interfered with The Home Rule question for the duration of the war but the minority that stayed prepared for a rebellion against the English. Michael returned to Ireland in 1916 to play his part in the insurrection. He received a Volunteer's uniform and was second in command to Joseph Mary Plunkett in the General Post Office in Dublin's O'Connell Street and the time of the rising. Although he played a small part Michael's sense of duty and dedication was well remembered. Michael was interred as a prisoner of war for his part in the rebellion and was sent to Richmond Barracks and later to Frongoch internment camp in Wales. In December of 1916 he was released and returned to Ireland to immediately rebuild the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Michael was elected to the Sinn Fein executive branch in 1917 and started to build resistance organizations to succeed in his goal for Irish Independence. Arm smuggling rings and assassinations squads were formed which earned him a price on his life of 20,000 pounds sterling The armed rebellion started again in 1919 and the RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) was the main target. The IRB (Irish Republican Brotherhood) in 1919 had infiltrated the Volunteer's leadership. Michael was made president of the Supreme Council also commander of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) Violence was widespread throughout the country with Britain sending more troops in. Martial law and curfews were imposed and assassinations and reprisals were main points of the conflict. The IRA has to use Guerilla tactics to fight this war and that made up for the lack of firearms. 14 British Officers of the Secret Service were assassinated by the IRA in 1920 and in reprisal the British killed twelve people by firing on a crowd watching a Gaelic match at Croke Part. Dublin. Ireland was now world news. In May of 1921 the Dublin Custom House was set on fire by the IRA and almost the entire brigade was captured in the action by the British. The commander of the Crown forces in Ireland advised David Lloyd George to "go all out or get out" Following this statement Treaty talks started. The talks broke down after broaching the issue of the Irish Republic independent of Britain. More delegates were sent including Michael who was not a statesman but did his best and signed an agreement to avoid all out war in the Irish countryside. He was later quoted as saying "I tell you, I have signed my death warrant" The IRA split in fractions across the country for and against the treaty those for the treaty were called the new national army and those against were still rebels. The conflict against Irish oppression had turned into an internal Civil War which would last for ten months. Annoyed and depressed with the results of signing the treaty with the English on 22nd of August, l922 Michael decided to tour the troops in his home county of Cork. At a place called Beal na mBlath at around eight o'clock his convoy was ambushed and Michael was the only man killed. There is controversy to this very day about what happened and who killed him. His body lay in state for three days and thousands of people paid their respects even more lined the streets the day of his funeral. He was laid to rest at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Michael Collins played a huge part in six short years in bringing Ireland from total dominion to a position where it could win its freedom. As his father predicted Michael Collins etched his name in Ireland's history as one of its great patriots. Jack Lynch (full name John Mary Lynch) Born August 15th 1917 Died October 20th, 1999 Jack Lynch another great sporting hero from Cork and played hurling in the 1930's and 40's. He was the fourth Taoiseach of Ireland and served two periods in office 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979. He studied Law at Cork University and joined the Department of Justice in 1936. He then decided to persue an active legal career and was called to the bar in 1945 where he practiced on the Cork Circuit. He joined the Finna Fail party and rose up in the ranks to become Taoiseach . Jack Lynch was first elected as a Fianna Fail TD in 1948 and at each subsequent election until 1981. He served as Minister for Education from 1959 until 1959, Minister for Industry & Commerce from 1959 until l965 and Minister for Finance from 1965 until 1966 He became leader of Fianna Fail in 1966. Roy Keane Roy Keane is one of the famous sporting legends from Cork. He is a very influential player and a great hero and example to the young players to follow in his footsteps. Despite many rejections form English clubs he persisted and eventually was signed by Cobh Ramblers in 1987. He moved on from there to a brilliant career with Nottingham Forest in 1990 and eventually to the great Manchester United in l993 where he is now Captain. Roy has captained Ireland in various International games and still continues to play for his country. All in all Cork City and County is a wonderful place to visit from its magnificent architecture within the city and surrounding towns to it scenic views especially along the coastline. |