A village in West Cork has set a unique record for the most people named Michael Collins in one place.
A small village in West Cork made its own stake in history after setting a new world record. An unexpected record, as it’s for the most people named Michael Collins in one place.
To celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the death of the legendary Irish icon, locals in Newcestown, West Cork, decided to mark the anniversary in their own unique way.
Newcestown has set the record for the most people named Michael Collins in one place – a unique title to hold
Newcestown, a village in West Cork, celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the death of Michael Collins in a very unique way as part of their summer festival.
Participants gathered at O’Mahony’s pub in the afternoon on Sunday, 21 August. Those who could provide proof of their full name were given a free pint for their participation.
Co-organiser Kieran O’Mahony said they had “no idea” how many people would turn up to participate. In the end, they set a new record of 75 people named Michael Collins.
The participants – 75 people named Michael Collins
Those who took part in the process ranged from ages four months old all the way up to 86 years old. 75 Michael Collins’ in total made a new World Record by 6 pm on Sunday night.
Among the attendees were Cork TD Michael Collins (Ind) and his son Michael Junior. The event was MC-ed by the Cork Mayor and TD, Danny Collins (Ind).
Kieran O’Mahony said, “We had a massive crowd here; we couldn’t believe it. We had people here from all over the country.
“People may have thought it seemed a bit gimmicky, but it clearly captured the imagination of the public. We are hoping to get even more people next year. We are going to aim to get 100 here, so it went even better than we expected.”
100-year anniversary – a momentous occasion
There have been many celebrations of this momentous anniversary throughout the country in the past few days.
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin commended Michael Collins for being ‘inspiring’ in a speech commemorating his death.
He said that Collins never demonised his political opponents, and his death in an ambush at Béal na Bláth during the Civil War robbed Ireland of its best hope of reconciliation.
He made history as the first serving Fianna Fáil Taoiseach to speak at the commemoration in West Cork to mark the death of Collins.
