Journalist and historian David McCullagh will deliver the oration at Béal na Bláth later this summer to mark the 104th anniversary of the death of General Michael Collins in the civil war.  The event will take place on Sunday August 23rd at 3pm.

“Our committee is delighted that David McCullagh has accepted our invitation to speak at the ceremony in Béal na Bláth” said committee chairperson Grett O’Connor.

“With his journalistic experience and extensive knowledge of Irish history, we know he will offer compelling insights into the life, work and legacy of Michael Collins.”

Mr McCullagh is currently the presenter of Today with David McCullagh on RTÉ Radio 1. He was previously presenter of the 6.1 News and Prime Time on RTÉ television, and before that was a political correspondent for the broadcaster for 12 years.

He has a PhD in politics, and is the author of six books, including a biography of John A. Costello, The Reluctant Taoiseach, a two-volume biography of Éamon de Valera, Rise and Rule, and most recently From Crown to Harp: How the Anglo-Irish Treaty Was Undone.

Mr McCullagh said he was honoured to be invited to speak at Béal na Bláth.

“There are many different aspects to the life and career of Michael Collins: military organiser, intelligence chief, financial mastermind. But circumstances also turned him into a diplomat, a negotiator and a constitutional craftsman who played a key role, not just in the establishment of an independent Irish state, but in the evolution of Britain’s Empire into a Commonwealth,” he said.

“As Ireland faces an increasingly turbulent international environment, it is timely to reflect on that legacy, and I am really looking forward to speaking at this year’s commemoration.”