In this episode we are joined by Irish American historian Joseph E.A. Connell Jr. to discuss his new book Michael Collins: Dublin 1916 – 1922. Michael Collins was the Chairman of the Provisional Government set up after the Anglo – Irish Treaty of 1921. Collins was a Gaelic League and GAA activist and served in the GPO during the Easter Rising. During the War of Independence, Collins was Director of Intelligence in the IRA and Minister of Finance in the Dáil government.
John Dorney and Joe Connell discuss Collins’ military and political abilities. How his charismatic personality attracted some and alienated others. What he hoped to achieve with the Treaty settlement. How and why he was killed and what his ultimate impact on Irish history was.