Ireland's OWN: History
Michael Collins (1890 - 1922)*
Cork-born Sinn Fein leader
Probably the most charismatic political leader in the history of 20th century Ireland.
Born in Clonakilty, Collins joined the civil service and moved to London in 1906. He developed a keen interest in Irish politics among exiled nationalists and joined the Gaelic League and the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
Returning to Ireland, he served as an aide to Joseph Plunkett in the GPO during Easter week [1916], after which he was interned at Frongoch, North Wales. On his release during Christmas 1916 he returned to Ireland, was elected to the Sinn Fein executive and became MP for South Cork, and Tyrone.
During the Anglo-Irish war, Collins was vital in co-ordinating the IRA�s military campaign and was instrumental in extracting most of the concessions secured from Lloyd George.
In 1922, he was appointed Chairman and Minister of Finance of the provisional government, responsible for the establishment of the Irish Free State. He was decisive in devising a constitution, creating security forces and appointing a civil service. When war began, Collins became Commander-in-Chief of the Free State Army and helped lay down the military strategy which enabled the pro-Treaty troops to emerge triumphant. He was shot dead in B�al na mBl�th in Cork.
*From Duff, L. "London's Irish history," The Irish Post, 17 Nov. 2003
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