Cork collector says he will never sell his priceless Michael Collins memorabilia

Few of us can boast that they live in a museum, but staunch Michael Collins enthusiast Noel Scannell’s home has become just that.

Having started the collection during his Leaving Cert year in 1969, the former Dairygold employee’s cottage in Kilworth Co Cork has, over time, morphed into a shrine to Ireland’s most revered revolutionary leader. 

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, one would never anticipate the hefty historical treasure trove that lies inside

Photographs pepper the walls. The collection is dominated by correspondence from the period leading up to the death of “the big fella” at Béal na Bláth during the Irish Civil War, as well as stacks of newspapers.

Noel’s passion for the historical figure is not only written all over his face. It’s also emblazoned across his T-shirt. The quote from the statesman’s father Michael Collins Sr sums up their relationship well: “One day he’ll be a great man, he’ll do great work for Ireland.”

It comes at a time when memorabilia once owned by the historical figure is fetching tens of thousands of euro at auctions, including his famous walking stick. 

The stick was purchased for £52,000 (€62k) recently, five times more than its original estimate. This set a record for Bloomfield Auctions in Belfast, whose lots also included police files tracking Collins’ activities during Ireland’s War of Independence. 

These sold for the slightly more modest sum of £6,800. One of the most memorable collector’s items, however, came in the form of a lock of hair which was sold for €4,400 at Fonsie Mealy’s Auctioneers in Kilkenny last summer. It had been taken for safe keeping as the late Collins lay in state back in August of 1922.

While some collectors might be tempted to cash in, Noel has vowed never to part with his most prized possessions. It’s not just the pieces themselves, but the memories and sentiment they conjure up that remain most valuable to him.

A book gifted by Áine Broy titled Dysert-Diarmada; or, Irish Place-names, Their Beauty and Their Degradation serves as a curious focal point in his collection. 

Áine’s father, Éamon ‘Ned’ Broy, had received the keepsake as a gift from Michael Collins back in 1919. Collin’s signature adorning the artefact significantly raises its value.

Broy’s work as a double agent within the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) cemented his friendship with Collins. 

The detective sergeant (DS) had worked as a clerk inside the G Division, the intelligence branch of the DMP. 

While here, he copied sensitive files for Michael Collins, many of which were passed on through a librarian at Capel St Library named Thomas Gay. 

Mr Broy, who went on to become both an advisor and bodyguard to Collins once smuggled him into G Division’s archives in Great Brunswick St (now Pearse St). 

This allowed Collins to identify “G-Men”, six of whom would be killed by the IRA.

“Áine presented me with this in recognition of all the work I’ve done to promote Michael Collins. 

"The book was a special gift and I would never betray her or the Broy family by making money from it. For me, it’s worth a lot more than €20k and money wouldn’t buy it from me anyway. Áine is such a wonderful person and I was honoured that she wanted me to have the book. 

Michael Collins means an awful lot to her. If it wasn’t for Collins there’s a chance that she might not be here today. 

When her father was imprisoned and told that he would be shot, the message relayed by Michael Collins was clear: 'If Éamonn is shot, then you will be gone soon after.' It was these choice words that ended up saving his life.” 

Noel delights in showing the book to anyone who pops by.

'He had lovely handwriting'

“I really love showing the book to people because they are always so interested in the story behind it. So many people have copied the signature. Michael Collins had really lovely handwriting.”

Collecting has helped Noel through difficult times, particularly during battles with cancer which he fought twice between 2012 and 2016.

“I can remember buying two prints at Adams Auctioneers of Dublin. One of them was signed by Michael Collins. I got them for €4,000 each even though the same ones recently went for €11,000. 

"I’ll never forget coming back because I had to stop four times. I was in such an awful state from chemo.”

Noel revealed he began his collection to ensure that Collins was never forgotten.

He was written out of Irish history. Éamon de Valera made sure of that. 

"I started school in 1956 and I finished in 1969. During these years we hardly ever heard of Michael Collins. I noticed that I when I was doing history.

“After school I joined Macra na Feirme. I was doing a lot of debating and public speaking. 

"In 1972, I joined Fine Gael and spent 52 years with them. I was director of elections during Garret Fitzgerald’s time for the years he was Taoiseach. 

"The more political leaders I got to know the more I learned about Collins and realised that he will always be a true hero. We would have achieved nothing without him.”

Michael Collins bicycle sculpture

However, Noel is not just a collector. One of his proudest achievements was forming part of the team of Collins enthusiasts who assisted Fine Gael councillor Shane O’Callaghan to erect a statue of Collins on Grand Parade in Cork. 

This was inspired by an iconic image of Collins standing with the bicycle he rode around Dublin as he led the military resistance to British rule and managing the finances of the outlawed Dáil. 

The work of art was funded through a crowd-funding scheme spearheaded by the Michael Collins 100 Committee — a non-political organisation dedicated to honouring his legacy.

Noel has travelled the length and breadth of the country to give lectures about Michael Collins.  He has also penned a book on the topic.

“I often bring some of my collection to lectures but after one of my books was stolen a few years back I have become that little bit more cautious. It was signed by the cabinet during Enda’s time. 

"If the thief tries to sell this they will have huge problems doing so publicly as I have made so many friends through auction and collector circles so I know I would be notified straight away.”

Noel hopes his collection can be enjoyed by Michael Collins enthusiasts for generations to come.

“I have one nephew and three nieces. I wouldn’t want to pick just one to leave the collection to so I’ll probably leave them all to fight over it when I’m gone,” he laughed.