The life and times of the great Irish hero and patriot - General Michael Collins were recalled at a “History and Heritage Night” held on Saturday 15th January at the London Irish Centre in Camden, London.

The event was organised by the UK branch of the Collins 22 Society an organisation which organises events in the UK and Ireland in order to honour the life and life principles of Michael Collins. Previously successful events have been held in Birmingham, Coventry and Crawley.

The packed venue in Camden was treated to a unique combination of talks, a documentary viewing and even some drama! The proceedings were got under away with a viewing of the recent RTE documentary: “Michael Collins -Ireland's Greatest” narrated by Michael McDowell.

An impressive panel of speakers comprising of Nora Owen grandniece of Collins and former Irish Minister of Justice, journalist, author and playwright, Mary Kenny and Dublin based solicitor and Society Secretary, Gerry O'Connell. The panel covered topics ranging from Collins's family, his complex relationship with Winston Churchill and his life in London between 1906-1916.

An actor playing the part of Collins gave an entertaining extract of dialogue from Mary Kenny's play of a conversation between Collins and Churchill:- “Allegiance” will be staged in at the London Irish Centre in February. Michael Collins was assassinated in ambush in August 1922 at the age of 31. In his short life, he was instrumental in bringing independence to Ireland and was one of the signatories of the Anglo -Irish Treaty of 6th. December 1921 along with David Lloyd George, Arthur Griffith, Lord Birkenhead and Winston Churchill.

This most enjoyable event was organised by Martin Dunne, UK Organiser of the Collins 22 Society and Peter Duffy UK Secretary. Many of those attending in Camden had left Ireland in their late teens to find work in London but still maintained a strong affiliation to the country of their birth. They expressed their appreciation of hearing about Collins and what they owed to this great man. Many travelled long distances such as Coventry, Belgium and Ireland to be present.

The Collins 22 Society would also like to record their appreciation to John Dunne, Artistic Director, London Irish Theatre, Terry McInerney, Manager, London Irish Centre and Bill Martin, National Organiser, Collins 22 Society.

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Contact: Martin Dunne,
Mobile Phone: 07802-731-849
Email: martindunnesiteservices@btinternet.com

Photographs from the Night by
Malcolm McNally - Copyright ©
Tel: 01279 654686 (H)
07710 385202 (M)