Hundreds of people gathered at Glasnevin Cemetery yesterday for the annual Collins Griffith Commemoration, organised by the Collins/Griffith Commemoration Society in partnership with Dublin Cemeteries Trust, to honour the lives and legacies of General Michael Collins and President Arthur Griffith.
The hundreds of members of the public who gathered, exceded expectations of the organisers of the commemoration.
One of Ireland’s longest-running commemorative traditions, the event has been organised by the Collins/Griffith Commemoration Society every year since 1923.
The Society maintained the annual tradition even during the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning the commemoration has continued unbroken for more than a century.
Four years on from the centenary commemorations of 2022, public interest in Collins and Griffith remains exceptionally strong.
This year’s commemoration generated some of the strongest public interest in recent years, with one of the largest attendances in recent years.
The continuing popularity of the event reflects a desire among people of all ages to remember, learn about and preserve the history and legacies of two central figures in the foundation of the Irish State.
Public representatives, members of the Defence Forces, historians, civic leaders, families and members of the public joined the ceremony.
The historic Sliabh na mBan was brought to Glasnevin for a special public display as part of the Society’s 2026 commemoration.
The 1920 Rolls-Royce armoured car formed part of General Michael Collins’ convoy at Béal na Bláth on the day he was killed in August 1922 and is preserved by the Defence Forces.
The ceremony commenced at the Sigerson Monument before proceeding to the graves of President Arthur Griffith, Eamonn Duggan and General Michael Collins.
It included the raising of the National Flag, a procession led by a Defence Forces piper, wreath-laying ceremonies, the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille, and the National Anthem.
Historian Professor Michael Laffan delivered an address at the grave of President Arthur Griffith, while Independent Senator Michael McDowell delivered the keynote oration at the grave of General Michael Collins.
Brigadier General Mark Staunton, Commander, Joint Cyber Defence Command, laid a wreath at the grave of General Michael Collins on behalf of the Defence Forces.
Frank McNamara, Chairperson of the Collins/Griffith Commemoration Society, commented:
“The Collins/Griffith Commemoration Society organise this fantastic event to honour the legacies of General Michael Collins and President Arthur Griffith.
“The commemoration has taken place every year, unbroken, for more than a century. People of all ages come to express their admiration for General Collins and President Griffith, two of our nation’s founding fathers.”
Peter Gallogly, Chief Executive Officer of Dublin Cemeteries Trust, added:
“Glasnevin has long held a unique place in Ireland’s history as our national cemetery.
“The burial of Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins in 1922, at a time of profound national grief, reinforced Glasnevin’s role as a place of remembrance for the people who shaped our country.
“We are delighted to host this commemoration and to honour their enduring legacy.”
The Collins/Griffith Commemoration Society thanked everyone who attended and supported the ceremony, including the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, Dublin Cemeteries Trust, invited guests, volunteers and members of the public whose continued support ensures that the legacies of General Michael Collins and President Arthur Griffith continue to be remembered.