The family of Michael Collins have handed his diaries to the state at a ceremony at his former home in Clonakilty today.
General Collins was born outside the town in 1890 and was one of the key figures in the fight for Irish Independence following the Easter Rising.
The pocket diaries were written between 1918 and Collins' death in 1922 and have been donated to the National Archives under the provision that they return to Clonakilty once a year for viewing.
Speaking to RedFM News at today's ceremony, Helen Collins outlines what her grand-uncle wrote in the diaries:
"They set out his very importantly all his appointments with Churchill and joy George and people like that in London when he was in negotiating the treaty. Also from a human interests point of view. They set out his record of who he met when he was around the country and gave him money for the National Loan. So we could be like, Oh, Met Helen Collins in West Cork, and five pounds for the National Loan. So there's people's names in those diaries which will be of great interest to families as to their contribution to the National Loan"
Michael Collins' diaries have been presented to the State by members of his family in Clonakilty. More on air and online @RedFMNews @CorksRedFM pic.twitter.com/UnrreGnUsU
— RedFM News (@RedFMNews) November 8, 2021
