10/16/2026
On This Day in Irish History – October 16, 1890
Today marks the birthday of Michael Collins, one of Ireland’s greatest patriots and a central figure in the fight for Irish independence. Born in County Cork in 1890, Collins was a brilliant military strategist and revolutionary leader who played a crucial role in Ireland’s War of Independence against British rule. He helped negotiate the historic Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, paving the way for the establishment of the Irish Free State. Affectionately known as “The Big Fella,” Collins stood around six feet tall and was larger than life in both personality and presence. Tragically, he was killed in an ambush during the Irish Civil War in 1922, aged just 31.
Here at McNamara’s Irish Pub, we’re proud to honor his memory with two historic photographs and a beautiful mirror bearing his name, displayed in our Irish History Room.
A true Irish legend. Gone too soon, never forgotten.
