Liam Neeson, Michael Collins tribute, Emmet Square, Clonakilty from the Paddy Murphy Collection

From the Irish Times Fri, Aug 23, 2002
by Olivia Kelleher
The Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson unveiled a life-size statue of Michael Collins in west Cork yesterday and said that he felt a deep connection with the assassinated statesman and the people of his native Clonakilty.
The 50-year-old Antrim-born actor spoke of his immense pride in playing Michael Collins in the Neil Jordan film of the same name in 1996.
"It means everything to be here. It was the greatest professional experience of my life to play him [Collins] on film. I feel a deep connection with him.
"It took almost 12 years to put that film together. I feel very close to him, especially when I am here and see the west Cork faces." Neeson jetted in from New York for the unveiling of sculptor Kevin Holland's seven-foot bronze statue of the Republican hero.
The piece is modelled on photographs of Collins speaking in Clonakilty just two months before his death in August 1922.
The unveiling ceremony in Clonakilty took place 80 years to the day after Collins' death in an ambush at Béal na mBláth in Co Cork.
Memorabilia, including Collins's car and love letters to girlfriend Kitty Kiernan, were on display in Clonakilty yesterday.
Hundreds flocked to Emmet Square in the town for the unveiling of the Collins monument, which is next to his sister Margaret's residence.
The statue bears the inscription "The people are splendid", which was the last entry in Collins's diary as he toured around the county in the weeks prior to his death in an ambush.
Collins's words were echoed yesterday by Liam Neeson, who said it was a great honour to be invited to the ceremony by the locals in Clonakilty.
"The people here have put in a fantastic effort and I feel an affinity with them. It is important to bring Michael Collins out in to the light. He was a remarkable man."

[@marytompkins-bv2iw]

It takes an actor of heroic acting capabilities to portray a true life hero such as Michael Collins. Liam Neeson delivered, in his usual stupendous manner. Thanks Big Irish.

[@deborahmcdonald8960]

Liam , always a scholar and a gentleman. Such a classic man!!🌹🙏🏼🔥💕☘️

[@christinehobson156]

Good one, good man, worthwhile memory toward worthwhile future

[@maryreardon6512]

Many thanks for this video. Michael is gone but not forgotten.

[@user-qg8qg2sp7i]

I agree with you 💯 since I'm of Irish heritage ❤

[@bethsheeba1198]

Liam is a great human being.

[@RadioNul]

Great man, has a very particular set of skills

[@user-xo8dz8mt3r]

A great actor so humble man

[@MrsCaviar]

Michael Collins was another role Liam Neeson did [Kinsey, Schindler] as a biopic before becoming an action star. IMBD only does a partial list his movies.

[@nancyteresaandrade1460]

I love you Liam beautiful ❤️🌹

[@user-qg8qg2sp7i]

Me too ❤

[@beautystarbeautystar4468]

Nice,video

[@reynamartinez7384]

Mil felicitaciones...

[@user-xo8dz8mt3r]

He is the Event with Michael Collins

[@beautystarbeautystar4468]

WwwwW,nice

[@nenahertel3199]

Hi Liam Neeson

[@lorenarodrigues5932]

Liam, irlandes qrido!!!❤

[@manukanu6029]

🥰😃

[@beautystarbeautystar4468]

👋

[@goldielocks2621]

My wife and I were at this historical event in Clonakilty, we had travelled down from Antrim and being a republican I left before Liam Neeson had arrived as I realised the majority of the people were there for the Hollywood Celebrity, to be honest few were there for Michael Collins. I like Liam Neeson as an actor but it was the wrong decision to have invited him on this occasion for the unveiling of a great Irish Republican.

[@louisselouisse4730]

which date which year??

[@beautystarbeautystar4468]

Good,Luck

[@louisselouisse4730]

whick date whicj year??

[@lorenarodrigues5932]

Q culpa ele tv por tr sido convidado, ser famoso? lindo e irlandês ?

[@garrettafancytrouser1424]

and he goes on to make dumb action movies...

[@daniellinehan63]

Swimming pool money

[@user-qg8qg2sp7i]

That is not true, he's already cool paying his respects to the real Oskar Schindler by leaving two roses on his grave and Michael Collins by unveiling the statue ❤