The Ballad of Michael Collins

Song by Brendan O'Reilly

[@Sparkey]

Michael had a real affection for the elderly, as he once said ” I was a reverential kid. Reverence was not only instilled into me by my father ; it seemed a natural trait. Great age held something for me that was awesome. I was much fonder of the old people in the darkness than I was of young people in the daytime. It’s at night you’re able to get the value of old people. And it was listening to the old people that I got my ideas of Irish nationality."

[@geraldneary1948]

Michael was very special and so was dev.

[@NobleKorhedron]

BUGGER DEV, @@geraldneary1948! He hadn't the fits to tell us the truth, that Britain wouldn't back down, AND he wasted Collins' greatest weapon, by existing what he looked like!

[@retrogal4598]

As an American of Irish descent, I'm proud to remember Éire's greatest son on the centenary of his death. Michael Collins accomplished much for Ireland and the world in his short 31 years. He will never be forgotten by all who know his name. Rest in Peace, Big Fellow. 16 October 1890 - 22 August 1922

[@chrispearo38]

Until Scotland and Ireland are free Freedom or death in our Lord's year 2022 it's coming 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🍀💚

[@andrewlally7828]

You mean his murder

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

Do you also admire Osama bin Laden?

[@rorygrant3822]

Bin Laden was just in his war ar my fellow Irish man Michael Collins may he RIEP BOTH ALONG WITH CHE ICON MEN ALL 3

[@Classicguy66]

Mexico had Emiliano Zapata, Ireland had Michael Collins. Both of these warriors were never to be forgotten. God Bless them. Viva Mexico. Long Live Ireland.

[@noamfinnegan8663]

We're told the story of St Patrick's Battalion who fought with you in your war with America Viva Mexico y Erín go bragh

[@panderichthys_rhombolepis]

And India had Gandhi.

[@noamfinnegan8663]

@@panderichthys_rhombolepis These were different men to Ghandi, they fought for freedom and equality was fundamental to their ideas. India shames humanity with its caste system. Rule 303 applies.

[@holyman1239]

@@panderichthys_rhombolepisand he was a pedo

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

@@panderichthys_rhombolepis Gandhi delayed Indian independence.

[@gwaigillion]

Real heroes never die, they live on in their peoples hearts

[@johannalowry-oreilly2669]

They sure do. But spare a thought for the loss of the singer and song writer Brendan O'Reilly who also gave much to this country. He died thirteen years ago on Tuesday. The song is powerfully emotive and fills me with sadness for a man I knew well.

[@jimmyriddle100]

He was the greatest Irishman,,,,HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN...

[@andykehoe7295]

What a man.

[@squimpot4100]

Liam C that’s what dev would have you believe

[@danbreen6946]

@@squimpot4100 Dev the coward sent Michael to be the scapegoat

[@GoldenWembley]

GOD SAVE IRELAND!

[@Podrozniczka]

Amen 🇮🇪

[@thelordphenom9676]

You'll never be forgotten, Mick. R.I.P. 🇮🇪💚

[@kevinhennessy7658]

Of course your here

[@thelordphenom9676]

@@kevinhennessy7658 Aye!

[@GoldenWembley]

Of course you wouldnt forget yourself you joker mick

[@patrickrooney5130]

One of Irelands greatest. Your name will live on forever. God bless you big man. Rest in peace comrade. 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 Some day Ireland will be free.

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

Collins was killed by the IRA because he had betrayed Ireland. He's the reason we still have partition.

[@johannalowry-oreilly2669]

Today is the 15th Anniversary of Brendan O'Reilly's death. Rest in peace Bren - you will never be forgotten. JLO'R

[@fionaudhin6898]

A beautiful song for my great dad, I love him so much

[@johnnyshannon4550]

He is a saint in my house.

[@mazarini]

Michael Collins RIP Glory to the great Hero!!!!!!

[@emma-ws9kf]

Never forgotten 💘 this man is amazing🇮🇪❣️

[@peterleone3264]

Michael Collins the true hero of Irish independence against British oppression loam nesson did a great job in the movie

[@markharrison2544]

Neeson was far too old.

[@Rivergaley]

We can never pay enough homage to Ireland's greatest son. Micheal we will not forget you as surely you were the best.

[@annemcloughlin449]

a true hero of Ireland

[@MrRock1331]

Great heros like Michael Collins aren't born every day but they never die .Long live his dream and may he one day look down on a free nation.TAL!

[@mickymccann252]

I admire Collins . He's someone I look upto !

[@RavenGent]

Michael Collins, 🇮🇪 He is a hero in Irish History and Ireland forever!! Inspiration to me as well!! 100 years ago today! 🕯️RIP, Lad! Faugh A Ballagh!!!

[@joycephilip1]

One of the most visited graves in Ireland…..in Glasnevin Cemetery,Dublin.

[@Shimaine]

True. And always full of fresh flowers, in every day of the year. I was there 3 years ago and left small red roses and a Rosary on his grave. I couldn't believe I finally was there, in front of my most beloved and respected hero 🇮🇪💚👊 🇮🇪💚👊

[@GoldenWembley]

I agree i tried to hold back my tears when i went there

[@TheRealDracoMalfoy]

A great song about a great man and patriot

[@cadecollins8477]

The best ancestor in my family

[@annmuller4996]

❤

[@user-ck5hx2bp7h]

Ирландия мое сердце с тобой навсегда было и будет! Геройский,мужественный народ!! 🦄🌹🦄🦄☘🦄☘🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@patricklamshear6662]

Micheal Collins Irelands greatest hero.R I P

[@Noxiusable]

91 years later... Hero still missing.

[@GoldenWembley]

Hes Not Missing Hes In Our Hearts.

[@Noxiusable]

@@GoldenWembley tiocfaidh ár la

[@claudedevillars]

This was the most prominent Irish stateman ... Ever...

[@weewilma004]

as a scot fighting for freedom I love this big guy blessxxx

[@gordonfleming458]

Hope ur not comparing the big man with that dafty crankie

[@weewilma004]

so you are english i suppose

[@clarebannerman]

Some great footage. Lovely song from the late Brendan O'Reilly (also written by him).

[@FieldMarshalRommel23]

General Collins. R.I.P.

[@lovisaloversson8388]

97 years ago today we lost you❤️🥀🥀 R.I.P

[@paulcrawley442]

County Cork will never forget Her Greatest Son

[@GoldenWembley]

Eamon And Collins : Best Friends, Worst Enemys

[@nonspeakingnotsilent9349]

[@griankay]

I found the lyrics. Ah, yeah, today is the anniversary of his death... An old man whispered in my ear, 'twas the saddest thing he knew When Ireland's proudest son was shot at the age of thirty-two He held my hand, his eyes held tears and my eyes filled up too With the power of full emotion for a man I never knew Michael Collins, fearless son, you touched the nation's soul Ten thousand pounds upon your head, you still achieved your goal 'Twas thus behind the barricades you fought the last gunfight You beat the enemy at their game, you undermined their might 'Twas in the crowded banquet hall, the old man meek and mild A simple man from off the land with the blue eyes of a child For the memory that an Irishman shot down the rebel son And Ireland lost Her Laughing Boy before his work was done Michael Collins, Fearless Son, you touched the nation's soul Ten thousand pounds upon your head you still achieved your goal You knew the Orange and the Green would keep us Gaels apart But the dream of Ireland one and free was the dream that filled your heart And an old man in a banquet hall some fifty years gone by Held a sadness that would never pass, in his blue eyes still to cry With the memory that an Irishman shot down the Fearless Son And Ireland lost Her Laughing Boy before his work was done Michael Collins, Fearless Son, you touched the nation's soul Ten thousand pounds upon your head, you still achieved your goal 'Twas thus behind the barricades, you fought the one time fight You beat the enemy at their game, you undermined their might You beat the enemy at their game, you undermined their might.

[@corneliakummer2777]

Thank you

[@conordolan5648]

@Jack Buckley perhaps some people want to learn the lyrics, some words some peeps might find hard to understand in the Irish accent

[@MinecraftRick]

@Jack Buckley Fuck's wrong with you, eh?

[@smooothvelvet]

A true son of Erin R.I.P.

[@jugglesone]

My mother was from Bantry Bay in west cork, sadly i was born in England but my heart is irish and i only have Irish blood in my veins, remember Bobby sands even now that makes me cry

[@kierandunn2293]

Proud to be from cork

[@morganrieder6281]

To me, Michael Collins is a hero. He was shot down by his own erstwhile colleagues. I don't believe that Éamon de Valera had anything to do with the assassination, but it was his side that did it. How he squared that later, when he became president, I have no idea. Collins is an open book; De Valera remains a cryptic figure.

[@MinecraftRick]

Oh, I'm sure that Éamon knew. He knew that as long as Michael lived, he himself could never take command. He knew that as long as Michael lived, he himself would never win their war. Would you rather join forces with Collins or Valera? Valera knew who people loved. That's why he had to kill the loved one.

[@kevinluby4783]

@DICTÁTOR MUNDꟾ General Emmet Dalton, a British Secret Service agent, shot at very close range, Commander-in-Chief Michael Collins, Private Michael Corry the driver of the touring car was also a British agent.

[@kevinluby4783]

@@MinecraftRick De Valera tried to stop the ambush, he expected that as political leader of the Irish Republic that he would be obeyed, Liam Deasy the chief organiser of the ambush told De Valera that Liam Lynch [miliitary leader] was his leader and produced a gun and threatened to plug De Valera. De Valera had to flee for fear of his own life. Liam Lynch didn't mention that in his book, ' Brother against Brother'.

[@patrickrooney5130]

I have visited Michael Collins grave many times. Just looking at his grave. tells you how mutch he was loved. 30 yards back is de valeras grave. Not a flower on it. What does that say about him. the love for Collins. Is very strong. he will live forever in the harts of the Irish people. Rip Michael.

[@annmuller4996]

@@kevinluby4783 it wouldn't surprise me.

[@bhindakhan6113]

always reminds me of john kennedy...young bold good looking and both shot

[@fionnuna7947]

+bhinda khan Michael Collins had to work a lot harder. Life & Death Every Day. no comparison.

[@georgel74]

Yes and both of their killers unknown.

[@GoldenWembley]

@@georgel74it was Denis Sonny O’Neill

[@georgel74]

@@GoldenWembley no proof..

[@GoldenWembley]

@@georgel74 he did it

[@josparkes1]

@darrin42 Same here, he was a man among men alright, lovely portrait/ film of him. His grave at Glasnevin is covered with flowers always.Love this song.

[@maragretdowns698]

Gone but never forgotten

[@PETERSNOTGAY08]

the greatest irishman 2 ever live they shud name a day after him r.i.p Mícheál Ó Coileáin.

[@MR.HandyANDY]

great man, great song. and very touching video.

[@josparkes1]

A very brave man of Ireland heroic to the last !

[@lety3181]

I Love you Mick!!!!

[@proslas]

Thank you for posting this it, as in the song said, nearly made me cry about his fate. Having been in Dublin this year, I spoke my prayer for this brave hero at Dublin Castle the place of his greatest success not forgetting a silent prayer for an Ireland united and free as I am able to feel with you cause of Germany being departed for not even half the time Ireland had to endure.

[@squimpot4100]

Happy birthday to the greatest Irishman to ever live

[@patricklamshear6662]

Irelands greatest hero. patjohn

[@GuyPennebaker]

there may be people who hate collins for staying under the crown but he did so because he needed to start somewhere before he fully made ireland a free land from the british tyranny everything needs a stepping stone!

[@martin7955]

Remember him today st Patrick's day , 2022 the greatest irish man I will visit where he feel this year pay respect to our greatest rip Michael.

[@seanbrown453]

My paternal grandfather was based at the IRA hq during the Irish war of independence and he said Michael Collins was always approached by the young vounteers

[@packamamma]

Irelands Greatest!......enough said

[@deirdsmelons]

RIP Michael Collins 100 years ago today

[@chasedbyshark]

Brendan - Meeting you in Ann Arbor was a blessing of my life. You story about Father Francis (your brother, I believe) taking an Italian bishop under arrest while fighting with the Australian 9th in the western desert sealed the deal. You will always be missed. THANKS!!!! DD

[@rossaoreilly3281]

Hi, I'm Brendan's son Rossa. I wonder if you could tell me the story about my uncle Frank. I've never heard it.

[@rossaoreilly3281]

My email is [e-mail]

[@brendandempsey5834]

Rossa O'Reilly

[@chasedbyshark]

@@rossaoreilly3281 The Bishop tried to pull clerical rank on Father Francis, AIF but was quickly put in his place. The story is dimming after over 60 years.

[@eguzkibegi]

Lyrics An old man whispered in my ear, 'twas the saddest thing he knew When Ireland's proudest son was shot at the age of thirty-two He held my hand, his eyes held tears and my eyes filled up too With the power of full emotion for a man I never knew Michael Collins, fearless son, you touched the nation's soul Ten thousand pounds upon your head, you still achieved your goal 'Twas thus behind the barricades you fought the last gunfight You beat the enemy at their game, you undermined their might

[@annmuller4996]

31 😢

[@Braneire1985]

RIP our only true leader to this day!

[@josparkes1]

This man commands the respect of many decent honest people and it is a respect that is richly deserved as he was an Icon of Ireland !

[@dengler11]

I enjoyed your vid very much..Well done mate.

[@cindycchesney5716]

I wish I could have met this amazing hero. He garners so much respect now, one can only imagine how it was when he was alive. RIP Michael, you'll nit be forgotten 💚🤍🧡🟩⚪🟧

[@georgel74]

Brendan ó Reilly..

[@cillianranngarsson2762]

I am a very proud Norse pagan from Dublin Ireland I am also a very proud republican who loves this man with all his heart I also served my country in the Irish army may my gods lord Odin and lord Thor bless and keep this man safe in the after life skal

[@DarraghC152]

we miss men of the calaber of collins he placed the irish people first and won us our freedom oh how our country needs you now.rest well you true son of ireland.may you and all true irish men stand tall and proud when your name is mentioned pat collins

[@cillianholly9540]

RIP comrade

[@nicholasalvarado1508]

May the cause he died for one day he fulfilled

[@Fuzzy-_-Logic]

You earned a good place in history. R.I.P. Michael and thank you. God Bless.

[@eguzkibegi]

If only we had another Michael Collins in the Basque Country to achieve our real freedom. Ireland and the Basque Country together against the imperialism of GB, France and Spain one day we will get our national independence!

[@georginaotoole4500]

No

[@georginaotoole4500]

If collangsb

[@georginaotoole4500]

In the words ot

[@user-nv7kl4ko1n]

Irish people are very freedom-loving and have very old music and poetry tradition

[@billcollins9308]

Thank You. Bill Collins

[@mtg3505]

A beautiful, touching tribute to Ireland's Favorite Son... every person living in freedom in Ireland today owes a dept of gratitude to Michael Collins

[@jossssean]

I go ireland every year and one of my. First visit is glasnevin cemetery in dublin to give my hommage to michael collins the big fellow .erin go bragh.slainte

[@priscillagallagher7325]

In tears hearing this for the 2st time, watching the video recordings and knowing what the Irish Government have done to Ireland. Ireland is on its deathbed. Michael Collins is turning in his grave as are all the rest of those brave, brilliant, patriotic men who gave their lives so that Ireland could be free.

[@daithi159]

The Irish Republic died with him.

[@condaly]

Great footage I'd never seen a lot of this before.

[@gerardlarkinhaverstock743]

A truly great son of erin

[@kevinhennessy7658]

Where men women and children cry 😢

[@stephenc8]

Nice footage

[@larrycrowley823]

Only for Michael collins in Dublin and Tom Barry in Cork Ireland would be the same as Scotland and Wales today

[@billcollins9308]

I have been increasingly close to the Micael Collins story. My Collins side comes from Glasgow Scotland. But interestedly my mother's father came from Cork. Bill Collins

[@ColmDooley-ri5wx]

Rest in peace and thank you Michael for your bravery and leadership

[@TraitofSiNN727]

in our family Michael Collins is a hero and a patriot.

[@eddymorinet6315]

j'adorais cette HOMME pour ces convictions d'indépendance

[@priscillagallagher7325]

Heartbroken beyond words to see what Ireland has become.

[@Wanderwd]

Talk about history in this song! I've seen many deeds of land awarded to those who fought against the Fenian Raids. As a little girl, I recall an Orange Day Parade. The town's businessmen, standing on the running board of a Model T, yelling, "down with the Catholics"! The English should NEVER have been in Ireland. Peace to Ireland! Perhaps I've got a little Irish blood in me by osmosis from my very Irish godfather!

[@proslas]

Sadly I couldn't find the song nor the lyrics in the Internet, so I would be deeply happy if you could tell me if there is a cd on which i can find it and if you might be able to tell me where I can find the lyrics. TA!

[@seanoriain8294]

Michaél Ó Coileáin, 1920: "Are we all yet educated to be free? Has not the greater number oF us still the speech of the foreigner on our tongues? Are not even we, who are proudly calling ourselves Gaels, little more than imitation Englishmen?...The survival of some connection with our former enemy, since it has no power to chain us, should act as a useful irritant. It should be a continual reminder of how near we came to being, indeed, a British nation. No one now has any power to make us that but ourselves alone....The biggest task will be the restoration of the language…Irish will scarcely be our language in this generation, not even perhaps in the next. But until we have it again on our tongues and in our minds, we are not free….”

[@johannalowry-oreilly2669]

Brendan was the first non political speaker to give the oration at Beal na Blath - remembering him today.

[@eguzkibegi]

(2)'Twas in the crowded banquet hall, the old man meek and mild A simple man from off the land with the blue eyes of a child For the memory that an Irishman shot down the rebel son And Ireland lost Her Laughing Boy before his work was done Michael Collins, Fearless Son, you touched the nation's soul Ten thousand pounds upon your head you still achieved your goal You knew the Orange and the Green would keep us Gaels apart But the dream of Ireland one and free was the dream that filled your heart

[@josparkes1]

He had no choice in having to sign the Treaty, it was that or face a battle that would have caused a battle of destruction of unimaginable proportions to the nation !

[@philpatton8521]

true son of eire may the big man have eternal peace for what they did to him ,rip

[@chrispearo38]

Until the last Rebel my friend.

[@andrewlally7828]

Erin go Bragh

[@teresacullen682]

💛☘💚

[@angelaoneill9156]

rip cuz

[@reinvestigate911org]

who is the woman singing along to this?

[@eguzkibegi]

(3)And an old man in a banquet hall some fifty years gone by Held a sadness that would never pass, in his blue eyes still to cry With the memory that an Irishman shot down the Fearless Son And Ireland lost Her Laughing Boy before his work was done Michael Collins, Fearless Son, [...]] 'Twas thus behind the barricades, you fought the one time fight You beat the enemy at their game, you undermined their might You beat the enemy at their game, you undermined their might

[@tonydeller7595]

Grand said yes to the big fellow no to the long fellow.

[@CillianRangarsson-yk9xk]

I am a really proud Norse pagan from Dublin Ireland lord Odin and lord Thor are my gods but I also a very proud Irish republican Michael Collins was a great soldier of Eire I will pray to my gods the Norse gods for this good man to RIP in the after life all hail lord Odin and all hail lord Thor all hail the Norse gods of Valhalla skal peace from a very proud heathen Viking warrior

[@nitewolf89]

damn this made me cry

[@siobhanoshea9979]

Legend and hero we could do with today were are fighting Irish

[@Lionsmane785]

100 years ago today, August 22nd 2022 Micheal Collins was murdered in Beál Na Bláth Co Cork. For what died the sons of Roisín? 😪

[@seanbrown453]

and had words of encouragement for them moreover than De Valera.