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Michael Collins: The Irish Revolutionary Who Died Too Soon

Jeff Foster

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Published in Michael Collins: The Lost Leader: A Biography Of Irish Politician Michael Collins

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Michael Collins was an Irish revolutionary who played a key role in the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1890, and joined the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1916.

Michael Collins: The Lost Leader: A biography of Irish politician Michael Collins

by Margery Forester

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	381 pages

Collins quickly rose through the ranks of the IRA, and became one of its most effective leaders. He was instrumental in the IRA's victory over the British in the Irish War of Independence, and was appointed Minister for Finance in the first Irish Free State government.

However, Collins was assassinated by anti-Treaty IRA members in 1922, during the Irish Civil War. He was just 31 years old.

Early life

Michael Collins was born in Woodfield, County Cork, Ireland, on October 16, 1890. He was the son of Michael John Collins, a farmer, and Margaret O'Brien. Collins had eight siblings, and he was raised in a devoutly Catholic household.

Collins attended Lisavaird National School, where he was a bright and eager student. He left school at the age of 15 to work on his father's farm. However, Collins was ambitious, and he soon left home to seek his fortune in London.

Career

Collins arrived in London in 1906, and he quickly found work as a clerk in a stockbroker's office. He also joined the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA),and he became active in the Irish nationalist movement.

In 1916, Collins joined the Irish Republican Army (IRA),and he quickly rose through the ranks. He was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916, and he was interned by the British after the Rising failed.

After his release from prison, Collins became one of the most effective leaders of the IRA. He was instrumental in the IRA's victory over the British in the Irish War of Independence, and he was appointed Minister for Finance in the first Irish Free State government.

Assassination

Collins was assassinated by anti-Treaty IRA members on August 22, 1922, during the Irish Civil War. He was just 31 years old.

Collins's assassination was a major blow to the Irish Free State, and it led to the outbreak of the Irish Civil War. The Civil War lasted for two years, and it resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 people.

Legacy

Michael Collins is considered one of the most important figures in Irish history. He was a key leader of the Irish War of Independence, and he played a major role in the establishment of the Irish Free State.

Collins's legacy is still debated today. Some people believe that he was a great hero who died for his country, while others believe that he was a ruthless killer who was responsible for the deaths of many innocent people.

Michael Collins was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant military strategist who led the IRA to victory over the British, but he was also a ruthless killer who was responsible for the deaths of many innocent people.

Collins's legacy is still debated today, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in Irish history.

Michael Collins: The Lost Leader: A biography of Irish politician Michael Collins

by Margery Forester

4.4 out of 5