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| Boston Globe, 23-August-1922 |
Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins was killed in an ambush 100 years ago today, on 22-August-1922. The Big Fella was leading the provisional government during the Irish Civil War.
"FORGIVE THEM" -- LAST WORDS OF COLLINS
AMBUSED BY IRREGULARS
Killed Just as Their Attack Was Beaten Off
Cork, Aug 23 (by A.P.) -- "Forgive Them"
These were the last words of Michael Collins, uttered a few minutes after a bullet fired by an irregular had pierced his skull. They were addressed to Maj. Gen. Dalton.
The assassination occurred last night between Macroom and Bandon, about 20 miles from this city.
Collins was accompanied by members of the Free State Headquarters staff, who were visiting various military positions in the south of Ireland.
Large numbers of Republican Irregulars ambushed the commander-in-chief's party en route to Bandon. An armored car, which was accompanying the National Army officials, inflicted heavy casualties upon the irregulars. Just as the attack was beaten off the bullet struck Mr. Collins and he expired a few minutes later.
The body was brought to Cork this morning and transferred to a steamer for conveyance to Dublin.
Firing From Both Sides
The ambush occurred in a wild mountain road between Macroom and Bandon at 7:30 o'clock. Collins was in an open touring car with Maj. Gen. Dalton, commander of Free State troops in Cork; Commandant Dolan, governor of the Mount Joy Prison and Capt. Montgomery, an officer of the General Staff.
A party of National Army troops, escorting the officers, had just passed the little village of Beallanblack when a volley of shots rang out from the group of Republican irregulars, who were concealed along both sides of the road.
Collins Fought Attackers
The first fusillade from the irregulars caused no casualties. Collins and the members of his party immediately jumped from their vehicles, too to cover and engaged the attackers in a heavy fight which last half an hour.
Shortly before the assailants were beaten off Collins, who had been fighting throughout the attack, was hit by a bullet in back of the ear and fell, mortally wounded. He lived only a few minutes after being struck.
His comrades continued to fight after their chief had died, and Maj. Gen. Dalton was wounded. The driver of the car in which Collins and his companions were riding also was hurt, and a motorcyclist accompanying the party was critically wounded in the neck.
NATIONAL FUNERAL FOR MICHAEL COLLINS
Dublin, Aug 23 (by A.P.) -- A National funeral with full military honors, will be accorded to Michael Collins, it was stated this afternoon.
His body will lie in state prior to internment in the Glasnevin Cemetery, where Arthur Griffith was buried, a few days ago.
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