Diaries of Michael Collins presented to the State
-
From: Department of the Taoiseach; Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
- Published on: 8 November 2021
- Last updated on: 8 November 2021
Members of Michael Collins’ family have today presented the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, accompanied by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney TD, and the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan TD, with the pocket diaries of Michael Collins covering the years 1918-1922.
These diaries are of major historical importance particularly in the context of the centenary of Collins’ death in August 2022. They provide important additional information relating to a key period in Michael Collins’ life and that of the nation, spanning the War of Independence, the Treaty Negotiations and the Civil War, up to his death in August 1922. They contain historical information, details of meetings, events, appointments and other arrangements, often secret in nature, which have never been seen before.
The diaries will be on long-term loan to the National Archives where they will undergo conservation and preservation treatment, archival processing and digitisation to enable public access to the diaries. The National Archives will work with Cork County Council to provide local access to digitised copies of the diaries at the Michael Collins House, Clonakilty as well as an agreed return of the original diaries from August 2022 to mark the centenary of Michael Collins’ death.
Commenting on the significance of the diaries, the Taoiseach said:
“These diaries tell the story of one of the most turbulent periods in our history through the political and personal day-to-day life of Michael Collins from 1918 to 1922. There are many new discoveries that will be revealed through the diaries which will now become part of the national collection at the National Archives. This will allow the public, scholars and researchers learn much more about the events leading up to and following the foundation of the State. We want to thank the Collins family for their generosity in working with the National Archives to ensure the long-term preservation of the diaries."
Minister Catherine Martin TD said:
“We get a special insight into such a turbulent time in Irish history through these precious diaries. I am also very grateful to the family for their kind loan and the diaries will now be deposited in the National Archives. They are an important legacy for the State in the context of the Decade of Centenaries marking such a significant figure in the history of the State. My role as Minister with responsibility for commemorating this complex period in our history is that it is remembered appropriately, meaningfully and sensitively.”
Minister Simon Coveney TD said:
“As we approach the centenary of Michael Collins’ death in August 2022, there is a renewed and increased interest in him. These diaries provide a unique insight into an extraordinary life and give details of events which have never before been made public. This is a significant donation to the State from the Collins family and we thank them sincerely. The family have always been generous in sharing with the Irish people the cherished belongings, documents and mementos of their uncle and granduncle. Where we are today, Woodfield, was previously gifted to the State by the family in the 1990s.
“These diaries will act as a major research asset for historians of 20th century Ireland about pivotal moments of change in Irish history, particularly in the context of the Cork Decade of Centenaries commemorations and the revolutionary period."
The Collins family speaking of the donation said:
“These 5 work diaries of Michael Collins were given by our grandfather Johnny Collins (Michael Collins' older brother) to his son, our father, Liam Collins. We are delighted on his behalf to give these important records to the Irish people through the good offices of the National Archives. The family hope to involve Clonakilty in the public presentation of these diaries. This would be very important to our father.
“We are honoured, on our father's behalf, to hand over these historic records to An Taoiseach and to welcome him to Woodfield today, the birthplace of Michael Collins, which our Father lovingly reclaimed and preserved and gifted to the State in October 1990."
The diaries will now be deposited in the National Archives, Dublin, where work will begin on their conservation and digitisation.