THE EARLY YEARS

On 16 October 1890 Michael Collins was born near Sam’s Cross, a tiny hamlet in West Cork, named after Sam Wallace, a local highwayman. Sam’s Cross lies between Rosscarbery and Clonakilty. Here, in a picturesque valley between river and sea, the young Michael grew up. As a lad, he spear-fished for salmon in the river and played among the cliffs above Black beach and at Cliodhna’s Rock. But, as was typical of the times, Michael never learned to swim.

Please register or log in to continue reading.