There clearly seems to be a need for a definitive study on the

actual commencement of hostilities [in the Civil War ].

– John M Feehan

Did Michael Collins give the order to begin the bombardment of Four Courts? Historians have presumed so; but no more. The evidence casts considerable doubt as to whether the order ever came from Collins himself… There is no record as to precisely who gave it.

(Excerpts from the book

“The Assassination of Michael Collins: What Happened at Béal na mBlath?“:)

“…a conflict of comrades … would be the greatest calamity in Irish history, and would leave Ireland broken for generations…”

– “The Army Document” signed by Michael Collins, along with an equal

number of prominent pro- & anti-Treaty officers, May 1922

May 1922 – Leaders Strive to Prevent Civil War in Ireland



The hindsight of history demonstrates that he was among the leaders who clearly foresaw just how terrible a disaster these hostilities would bring. Amidst all the trigger-happy factions, baying for blood at that juncture, in London, in the Free State government, and in anti-Treaty camps, Collins by far most strenuously and continually resisted giving battle…

As subsequent events proved, his judgement on this was excellent. It was that explosion of the Four Courts, which he was so keen to avoid, that set off the chain of events which, ultimately, took his own life … he outlived the first shells to hit Inns Quay, by only fifty-five days.

In this sense, the mysteries surrounding the bombardment of Four Courts are directly related to the death of Collins: who may with justice be called one of its first casualties.

Read more

“The Assassination of Michael Collins:

What Happened At Béal na mBláth?”

by S M Sigerson

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www.amazon.com/dp/1493784714

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