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Statue of Michael Collins to Replace the Spike
Michael Collins was one of the greatest heroes and sons of Ireland in history, a visionary and a warrior whose ideas, had they come to pass, would have remade Ireland in an image free from the shackles of history. He was one of the foremost freedom fighters who brought the British Empire, at the height of its power, to heel.
After the signing of the 1921 Anglo-Irish treaty which partitioned Ireland, he spearheaded a military campaign to destabilise and ultimately overthrow British rule in the North, providing weapons and ammunition as well as leadership. This campaign failed due to the unexpected massive escalation of brutal Unionist attacks on the Catholic people of the North, including atrocities such as throwing bombs among children playing in the street, as well as the adoption of some of the most draconian measures in the world by the British government.
His work was of great benefit to Ireland, and the celebration of his name would greatly displease those for whom the very idea of Ireland is troubling. In recognition of his ideals and achievements, regardless of subsequent events, he should be remembered in a place of prominence and his ambition for a United Ireland should be celebrated.
He deserves to be commemorated in a suitably central location in the capital city, so that all who walk beneath his shadow may be reminded of the sacrifices made for our freedom, and of the great seeds of potential in the hearts of the Irish people.
And most of all the promise of Irish unity that Michael Collins yearned for above anything else.
We the undersigned call upon the Irish government to knock down and remove the “Spike” on O’Connell Street in Dublin city centre and replace it with a suitable statue of the great Irish liberator, Michael Collins.
223 have already signed!
Comments
Free EireDo it nowAbsolutelyStatue of Wolfe Tone,Thomas Russell Michael Davitt, Fintan Lawlor, Jim Larkin James Connolly, And the names of all those killed by British imperialismIf you put Michael Collins therethen put deValera too Do we have a statue of De Valera anywhere in dublin?The greatestGreat ideaGreat ideaCollins deserves a statue in DublinRemove the spikes Michael Collins should be thereFrom Leiter Ard by way of South Boston.Get the big man up thereGreat ideaExcellent ideaYesI support the statue of Michael CollinsIrelands greatest patriot should be commemorated in all Ireland especially in Dublin.thankyouReplace the spire, it has no significance wheras Michael Collins does.
I totally agree.Surely the time has come for this fitting tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest heroes and patriotAnything relevant to Ireland's struggle for freedom is preferable to that thing in O'Connell Street, once described as a "no thing" by an Irish Australian author.Truly a Great Irish manI'd rather see a hero of Eire's land then a pointy stick100% agree he's our national hero. Get rid of the spire..Michael Collins deserves a statue in DublinI personally think a statue of Michael Collin’s has more significance to Ireland than the spire and could also inspire more people to push for Ireland to be united Collin’s was Ireland’s greatest protector and we need to change the stigma of our fallen heroes been classed as terrorist. Collin’s was a soldier and was respected even by the British there has never been an Irish man to show such calibre of military influence and professionalism back in those time’s the British had made Ireland victorian and displayed the subjects they wore loyal to show power and status.
We need to do the same as we remain the last true independent Gaelic and Celtic nation we must show the power of our culture and rise to the occasion it’s time to beat fire with fire.
Proper order for the greatest Irishman to ever liveIt would be fitting to have his statue at the GPO... we need to honour our historyYIt's just right thing to doOdwc, T A LSuch an important state figure who fought for our freedom and independence should have this place of residence overlooking our great city of DublinAbsolutely! I would love to see Michael Collins up there to remind and inspire people to fight against tyranny and oppression, foreign AND domestic. We used to be known as the fighting Irish. Nowadays, people are soft and too comfortable with being walked all over!Yes.. I would like to see the spike replaced with a suitable statue something we can be proud of and respect namely Michael CollinsIrish legends must live on! more so now then ever before, on a side note, grainne o'malley needs to be brought into the same light as Collins!Get rid of the eye sore.One of the greatest, when he brought them to there knees, they brought him to sit at there table to negotiate peace and sadly but not in vein he was ambushed and murdered by his own kin! The Brits lined the streets for his funeral procession in order to honour him. We ought to do the same!It is where Michael Collins should be instead of that awful spikeIt should have been there from the start“He was an Irish patriot true and fearless.”-Winston Churchill
Would absolute love to see this done. That eye sore of 5 million quid is just that,an eyesore.Brilliant idea100% This man hero should have pride of place in the capital of his beloved IrelandN/AThe late great Michael Collins should have being done a long time agoN/aMichael Collins should be the center stage of o connell St100 percent agree he's our national heroAbout time.It would be wonderful to see a tribute to Michael Collins on O'connell StreetGet rid of that hypodermic needle!That man's statue should have been the only choice instead of that ridiculous spike this country needs to acknowledge Michael Collins a lot more than it doesI think that we should show respect for our fallen leadersGreatThis is a great idea, anything to replace the stupid spikeOur hero of Ireland should be remembered in this way maybe also at the base of the statue a list of all the names of those who fought for Irish independence could also be displayed?I believe in order to peruse a better tourist based economy we must embrace our heritage. A statue of Michael Collins would be a fantastic replacement as it would give opportunities for tour guides to teach visitors and even some of our own Irishmen about our heritage.
Great proposal-Collins was a heroic leader who was the most influential figure in ireland's quest for freedom..The spire, has no significance to the Irish people where as a remembrance statue of Michael Collins would in context and art. The artistic view of Bertie Ahearn's spire from the GPO looks like the middle finger being given to the people of Ireland and all who visit our Capital city. It's nothing to be proud of , in fact, I think the spire is an insult to the people of Ireland. Yes,it's a landmark, but for the wrong reasons sadly. Remembering Michael Collins legacy to the Irish people,in my opinion,is far superior then looking at Bertie Ahearn's legacy to the Irish people.
YesCollins set up the foundation for what would become the Irish Free state now known as Éire. Love him or hate him he is a key figure in Irish history and independence. Personally, I think that this would be a great move in celebrating our heritage and history.That is a really great idea the spire was a ridiculous thing to put up Michael Collins deserves a staue on Oconnell Street please god this will happenBout time someone making senseGet that Masonic needle out of our capitalI want to see it happenReplace the spikeThis shouldn’t need a petition and should of been done in the first place, the spike represents nothing, molly Malone is mentioned more on trip advisor for gods sakejust do it!!!!Replace the spire with a statute of Michael CollinsGreat ideaNot before time!!SignedIt would definitely liven up the street with a well known Irish heroGreat stuff.Get rid of that eyesoreI think that is a Great idea but i'm afraid it won't happen as it might offend some people, i would love if it did happen living in hope God Bless the IrishBrilliant idea. The spike is an eye sorePut Collins up take dat spike downMy dads family were heavily involved in micheal collins.fighting alondside him in the war of independance.Remove the spike and put Leo varadkar on top of it Then plant it in the gallapogos islands
Knock down the spire1916 rising was much more memorable and a great part of Irish history that needs to be remembered and especially the people who died for our countryIt is a great idea to replace the spire which very few people have any interest in.100%dam right!Michael Collins deserves to be remembered and revered by the Irish nation.Itd be great to see a statue of remembrance there. I went to see the spike when i was young but id much rather and wouldve held them memory of a statue of michael collins more dear. Id also much rather bring my daughter to see a memorial statue of a legend since passed as opposed to a massive spikethat spike needs to go it means nothing to us. Michael Collins gave his life for this country.I agree, I also think Mise Eire should be our national anthem.AgreeA great Irish manOld Ireland foreverAr dies an d"aminNo need to knock down the spike, there's plenty of room in O'Connell st.As a history teacher I would love to see this!!!Perfect Choice. The real hero of the Irish Nation.Totally agreeIreland belongs to the Irish !God Bless Micheal Collins n God Bless the Irish ☘️ People !! ✌️☘️What did a spike ever do for this country.We shouldn't even have to say this
A fitting tribute to a great man.There should be a statue of Michael Collins the greatest Irish Man ever.that big needle is an eyesore.A great man, I would be delighted to see micheal Collins overlooking our city.Our national history should never be forgotten let not forget thatGreat Idea, Spire was disgraceful waste of moneyYes it is and it would be about time regonitation of this great leader what he done for this country of Ireland, its time for youth of Ireland to learn its history.Brilliant idea and much better than that monument to Dublins junkies !yes I would love to see it happenSpike dies not fit in with the traditional buildings. Michael Collins statue would be more in place with the history.I definitely agree and no better man to replace that dreadful spireI couldn’t agree more with this statement our government should see this through allowing our citizens and people remember life’s that we’re lost in our fight for freedom and remember what Michael collins stood for his words and remind everyone he didn’t die in vain he died for our nation for our freedom and voice be heardTurning in thier graves at what he and the other great founder's of the state who gave up their lifes for to see how a country could be sold to Europe for a few pieces off selfishness and treating our own citizens the way FG FF AND RYAN are being homeless and dieing on the very streets these brave men walked on, shame on you traitors, out off the ashes arose the phoenix and time for a new Ireland off 32,As my dad was one of his men...Michael Collins was, and still is part of my family historyI wish you all the best with your quest to replace the dreadful insipid spike in our capital city. I have advocated for years that there needs to be a more fitting landmark to replace what was the Piller. I believe Michael would be a fitting piece.
Call it Mick’s Piller and make it so people can as before clime to its summit and take in the view of our city.
Respect?
Tom Jr
It is about time that there is a statue to this great Irish man in our capital cityI agree with the statue of Michael collins in place of the spireThe sooner the BetterMicheal collins deserves to be in place of a big stupid pin thing that does.nt mean anythingThis would be amazingMichael Collins has earned his place in history & deserves a statue in his honour so our children never forget his effortsAn Irish patriotThis is a great idea and I hope it happens. We need it to,some people would have you forget our history.The spike is the most uninspiring piece of "art" in Irish history.Yes most definitely, this needs to be done.Without Collins we would not have what we have today. The spire is ridiculous Collins should be there not that scrap metalMichael Collins is a True Irish Hero and should stand proud in O'Connell Street That awful Spire is a waste of money to maintain and an embarrassed.About timeOf course they should they should have taken down Nelson and put Michael Collins on topSpike means nothing Michael Collins done more for IrelandBest of luckWe are slowly but surely losing our ‘Irishness’ we are no longer the unique nation that made us so different from any other. That ugly Spike needs to go and to be replaced with one of our greatest leaders, Michael Collins.Michael Collins deserves a statue on o'Connell Street the spike is an eyesore and a joke even his enemies respected Michael Collins he stood for the futureTake down the ugly Spike!Take it downTake down the spike it's terrible...replace it with a true Irish freedom fighter the one and only MICHAEL COLLINSMichael Collin bravo for Irish people freedom Statue of Michael Collin
Yes I really appreciate and agree with this Michael is far more important than the stupid spike please remove the stupid spike and put our Hero up Michael Collins thank youAbout timeThe needle on O Connell St. is an eyesore. It has nothing to do with Irish history or culture. What does it say to visitors ? We need a proper central acknowledgment to a great Irish leader, like Michael Collins.Please replace that awful eyesore with a statue of Michael Collins.A statue of Michael Collins Should of been put on Oconnell Street in the first placeGet it done, he should have been put there before that horrible needle.I believe that this is a brilliant idea. Michael Collins will help to bring Peace and Unity to IrelandTiocadh ar la agus Eire go braghAbout Time.Long overdueRichly deserved his place in history,only one Michael Collins and never be replaced.Absolutely this should happen.No brainerGood luck with this ☘️Let's get Michael Collins up on a proper pillar complete with viewing platform, higher than Nelson's. Now that would be a great tourist attraction.Please do thisIrelandEire for everUp the bog fellow!Great IdeaLet's do thisLong long overdue and this city needs something fitting to commemorate Irelands greatestGreat ideaI agree with this. This should be done, the spike is a disaster.He is Ireland's heroI think Michael Collins statue would be a greatit is about time we honoured all our heroesI firmly believe that now we as Irish sons and daughters of the dead generations gone by who paid for our freedom such as it was severe and yet a resilient victory for the pathway towards absolute freedom should never forget the bravery, courage and immeasurable sacrifice Michael Collins and men, women and sometimes young boys and girls gave on our behalf to enjoy our freedoms yesterday, today and in the future. It is with this statement of intent that I wholeheartedly believe the Michael Collins statue would be a great addition to the landscape of Dublin and a monument of epic historical notoriety of Ireland's greatest leader for democratic freedom.NaYou’d think this should be straight forward enough request. But ur talking bout a bunch of anti Irish ☘️ scumbags running the country.
Common sense isn’t one of there strong points.
IFTI
What does the spire represent? Nothing. A statue of the 'Big Fella' is a perfect representation of what he did in Dublin and indeed for IrelandYes. Erin Go BrághYou shouldn't need to ask for this to be done it should have been the only thing put thereWe the undersigned call upon the Irish government to knock down and remove the “Spike” on O’Connell Street in Dublin city centre and replace it with a suitable statue of the great Irish liberator, Michael Collins.Michael should be front and centre Remove the sewing needle
A lazy monument
Remove the eye sore and replace it with something meaningfulIt would make more sense to have a Micheal Collins statue . Marking a hero and legend of the Irish people . Would also benefit tourism as an attraction and a history lesson to all. That soike ir spire is an eye soreReplace that stupid spikeImmediate affect..I Believe that it is the Right thing to do is to place across from The GPO a monument of Micheal Colins but also The Of Padraigh Pearse and All The 7 Main Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising as a True Landmark of Our History and Irish HerosReplace the spike with michael collins and do ones for the rest as wellI absolutely agree with this idea, the man was a legend to this country and his passion to give us a foothold to our own identity which he sacrificed with his life. Ireland as a nation owes this man and his legacy, a statue in the Irish capital on its Main Street is the least his memory deserves.time for recognition - build the statuePlease put this statue up. Our history is importantNever liked the spireMichael Collins is the man that won the war!!!!!Tiocfaidh ár lá!I said it along time ago. That the eyesore in o connell Street should be replaced with a statue of Michael CollinsWorthy, a true Irish patriot.Michael colins deserves that spacePlease get get rid of that stupid spike, and remember our fallen heroes.A hero.I love this idea but you know the scumbag government we have right now won't do it.Ireland has never known a greater hero. Only right he should adorn our main street in the capitalShould have been a statue a long time to honour this wonderful hero. Michael and a lot more heroes gave their lives so as we could enjoy the freedom we take for granted in IrelandHail the ChiefIreland's Greatest.In memory of Michael Collins one of the great men who led Ireland to freedom and died for his country in the process,a fitting tribute.About time too...that spike is an eyesore & our national hero deserves a damned good monument to acknowledge him & his legacy.Michael Collins is, in my opinion, Ireland's greatest and should be commemorated on O'Connell Street. The Anglo-Irish Treaty did not partition Ireland. Partition was already in force. Ireland was partitioned by the Government of Ireland Act 1920. The Treaty had nothing to do with partition.
Michael Collins is my hero. Although my father was anti-treaty he greatly admired this manWell deserved too.Should have happened years agoStatue of Michael CollinsA legend in his own rightThe Irish Republican Brotherhood under the President Tom Ryan support this project.In recognition of the greatest hero of our nationHero for Ireland we would have had a proper republic a republic for all Churchill saw this and under his order had him assassinatedFitting tribute to Micheal CollinsGreat idea. Time to get rid of that eyesoreShould have happened long ago!A statue of Michael Collins should be erected - he was the great Irish liberator and deserves this long overdue recognition. IThis deserves supportIn a society of direct democracy, building of shite like that spike would be put to the peopleMichael Collins deserves to be there.It would be wonderful to see the greatest of Irish men on O Connell Street again , and this time not on the run .Michael Collins is probably the greatest Hero of Ireland. He should be honoured and celebrated.Build it.The spire is an eyesore that represents nothing about Irish culture or history.Delighted to support this. It's time to honor Michael Collins properly
An Claíomh Solais means "The Sword of Light", and is named after an Irish newspaper originally published
around the beginning of the twentieth century. This project is opening a window to that time, not so long
ago, and sharing the hopes, dreams and visions of the men and women who founded the modern Irish Republic.
The project will follow in their footsteps along the path laid down by Hyde, O'Conaire, MacNeill, Cusack and many others through sharing news, ideas, articles of Irish cultural interest and more, as well as helping to support Irish language and cultural initiatives. You can find out more about An Claíomh Solais by clicking on the buttons below, or join our team as we begin the great Gaelic restoration!
The project will follow in their footsteps along the path laid down by Hyde, O'Conaire, MacNeill, Cusack and many others through sharing news, ideas, articles of Irish cultural interest and more, as well as helping to support Irish language and cultural initiatives. You can find out more about An Claíomh Solais by clicking on the buttons below, or join our team as we begin the great Gaelic restoration!
The Flame Still Burns: The Unbroken Spirit of Gaelic Ireland
There is a fire that has never gone out.
Though winds have blown across our hills and empires have cast their shadows upon our land, the spirit of Gaelic Ireland remains—a living ember in the hearts of her sons and daughters. It is not a myth or memory. It is blood. It is breath. It is the pulse beneath the skin of the nation, ancient and eternal.
Ireland was never just a place. It was, and is, an idea—a sacred trust handed down through generations of warriors, poets, craftsmen, mothers, fathers, and the noble dead. The Gael did not simply inhabit this land&m
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PH Pearse Letters Awaiting Execution 2
Kilmainham Prison
Dublin
3rd May 1916
My Dearest Mother,
I have been hoping up to now that it would be possible for me to see you again, but it does not seem possible. Goodbye, dear, dear mother. Through you I say goodbye to Wow-Wow, M.B., Willie, Miss Byrne, Miceal, Cousin Maggie and everyone at St Enda’s. I hope and believe that Willie and the St Enda's boys will be safe.
I have written two papers about financial affairs and one about my books, which I want you to get. With them are a few poems which I want added to the poems of mine i
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PH Pearse Letters Awaiting Execution I
Arbour Hill Barracks,
Dublin,
1st May 1916.
Dearest Mother,
You will, I know, have been longing to hear from me. I don't know how much you have heard since the last note I sent you from the G.P.O.
On Friday evening the post office was set on fire, and we had to abandon it. We dashed into Moore Street, and remained in the houses in Moore Street until Saturday afternoon. We then found that we were surrounded by troops, and that we had practically no food. We decided, in order to avoid further slaughter of the civil population and in the hope of
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A marvellous description by Liam Bulfin
A marvellous description by Liam Bulfin in United Irishman ar 21 Aibreán 1906. Give us ten such men and English will be a second language in a generation!
“This is Pádraig Ó Dálaigh, General Secretary, a southerner. He can work 12 and 15 hours a day. He has a perfect constitution. With care he may live to eat square meals in the 21st century. He seems to have lived a long time already although his face is under the 30 limit. It is his brain that is old. His heart and all the rest of him are young ...
Under my personal observation he has
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Mionn
I n-ainm Dé,
Dar Críost a Aon-Ṁac,
Dar Muire a Ċaoṁ-Ṁáṫair,
Dar Pádraic Apstal Gaeḋeal,
Dar dílseaċt Ċuilm Ċille,
Dar clú ar gciniḋ,
Dar crú ar sinnsear,
Dar dúnṁarḃaḋ Aoḋa Ruaiḋ,
Dar bás truaiġṁéileaċ Aoḋa Uí Néill,
Dar oiḋeaḋ Eoġan Ruaiḋ,
Dar mian an tSáirséalaiġ le huċt a ḃáis,
Dar osna éagcoṁlainn an Ġearaltaiġ,
Dar créaċtaiḃ cróil
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Collapse of the Terror
British Rule's Last Stages
What the Elections Meant
We have seen how in ancient Ireland the people were themselves the guardians of their land, doing all for themselves according to their own laws and customs, as interpreted by the Brehons, which gave them security, prosperity, and national greatness, and how this was upset by the English determination to blot out Irish ways, when came poverty, demoralisation and a false respect for English standards and habits.
The English power to do this rested on military occupation and on econ
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Had we not lost him I truly believe we would have developed in a much much better form.