On 20th August General Michael Collins, set out for Cork in the hopes of negotiating an end to the Civil War. Though the Free State Army had control of most of the country, Cork was still controlled by Anti-Treaty forces. Collins’ party was ambushed as they travelled through Béal na mBláth on the evening of 22nd August, and Collins was killed by a direct shot to his head.


HE:EWL.65: Death mask of Michael Collins, taken at St Vincent’s Hospital, August 1922.
                                           
HE:1995.23: Rosary beads of Michal Collins, found with him on his death and later placed in a shrine casing.

HE:EW.852a.8: Anti-Treaty leaflet.