T
he Big Fella, who was killed at Béal na mBláth during the Irish Civil War, has been a source of intrigue over the years.
Cork historian and former Lord Mayor of Cork, Kieran McCarthy said the continuing sentiment and outpouring of love for Collins is very apparent.
"You only have to look in the archive of the Examiner and see the blackened page from the day after his death in 1922 to see how respected he was. A year later a memorial is created at Béal na mBláth.
"There are so many layers of his memory being perpetuated. Different angles of his story are always being remembered. All these stories are powerful enough in their own ways to carry this legend of a person forward.”
He said Collins, even a century after his death, has a key role to play in how we tell the story of our country.
Click on items below to see prices fetched for memorabilia at auction
Bible
The bible also contains the In Memoriam card of Mrs Catherine “Katty” Collins, the wife of Michael’s older brother Johnny.
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€21,000 - €25,000
Walking Cane
The walking cane owned by Michael Collins.
€60,000
Grocery Bill
Grocery bill of Michael Collins’ Irish Delegation in 1921 peace talks.
€7,000
The Path of Freedom
The Path of Freedom by Michael Collins went on sale on the centenary of his murder.
€70 - €120
Cutlery
The cutlery used by Irish revolutionary Michael Collins at his last meal, which he ate at the Eldon Hotel in Skibbereen on August 22nd, 1922.
€1,500 - €2,000
Flag
An Irish flag from the state car of Michael Collins.
€2,800
Handkerchief
The linen handkerchief Michael Collins had at the time of his death.
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€10,000 - €20,000
Last Written words
The last written words of Michael Collins.
€7,000 - €10,000
LETTER
The letter written on Gresham Hotel embossed note paper, is dated 2/1/1922.
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€6,000
Lock of hair
The lock of hair was given after the death of Michael Collins to his friend Felix Cronin.
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€8,000 - €10,000
Police Files
Police files tracking Michael Collins’ movements.
€10,000
Portrait
Michael Collins, an oil-on-board painting by Noel Murphy.
€8,000 - €10,000
Portrait
Michael Collins portrait by Sir John Lavery, lithograph signed by Collins.
€1,000 - 1,500
Poster
Michael Collins movie poster starring Liam Neeson.
€200 - €300
Revolver
A Webley Revolver taken from Michael Collins’ car after he was killed. Probably General Collins’ own sidearm.
€72,000
Weeding gift
Chairs given by MIchael Collins as a wedding gift to his sister Mary at Mullen's.
€60,000
Shillelagh
Shillelagh belonging to Michael Collins.
€3,000 - €4,000
Copyright Irish Examiner.
Design Ivan Rodriguez
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