On This Day in Dublin: Michael Collins funeral

On 28 August 1922 half a million people lined the streets of Dublin for the funeral of Michael Collins.

His funeral procession from the Pro-Cathedral to Glasnevin Cemetery was several miles long.

An estimated 500,000 people lined O’Connell Street to pay tribute to Collins who had played such a leading role in Ireland’s struggle for independence.

He had been killed six days earlier on 22 August in an ambush at Béal na mBláth outside Cork.

Following the funeral mass in the Pro Cathedral the cortege began its journey to Glasnevin Cemetery where Collins was buried.

Crowds stood and watched along Dublin streets as the procession made its way through the city.

Moving down Talbot Street, the horse-drawn procession driven by Free State Soldiers moved onto Gardiner Street and then O’Connell Street, across College Green and down Merrion Street.

The burial service at Glasnevin Cemetery was again attended by members of state. WT Cosgrave, who succeeded Michael Collins as chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State, spoke at the graveside.