You can pop in and see it for free. 

Cork County Council has acquired a linen handkerchief, which was in Michael Collins’ pocket at the time of his death, for permanent display at Michael Collins House Museum, Clonakilty.

The handkerchief was gifted by Michael Collins’ brother Seán to General Seán MacMahon, then Quarter Master General of the Irish Free State Army and a close associate of Collins.

The artefact is accompanied by a short note dated August 31st, 1922 that reads; ‘A Cara, accept enclosed as a souvenir of Miceál – in his pocket at time of death’. Seán Ó Coileáin’.

Cllr. Noel O’Donovan, Deputy Mayor and Lorraine Lynch, Divisional Manager West, Cork Co Co. Photo: Dermot Sullivan

The linen handkerchief and the letter from Seán Collins will go on display and be available to view free of charge in the Michael Collins House reception area for the remainder of the year. It will then make its way into the museum’s permanent display.

“Shortly after his death, Michael Collins’ siblings gave several of his close friends and colleagues similar personal items to remember him by.” explained Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll.

“Luckily, a number of these items have found their way into the Michael Collins House collection including the necktie worn by Collins during the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations and a small personal prayer book, among other items. These items are hugely important for the museum in telling the personal story of Michael Collins and in bringing history to life.”

The handkerchief adds to a growing collection of artefacts in the museum which it hopes will attract even more visitors to the popular attraction, which welcomes up to 30,000 visitors annually.

Michael Collins House Museum opens all year-round Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit michaelcollinshouse.ie