Michael Collins was one of the major leaders of the Irish independence struggle. In Ireland, where he is known by his nickname “The Big Fella”, he is regarded as a hero and a martyr. In England, he was categorized as an enemy and an assassin. Michael Collins was native from Clonakilty. His bronze statue was unveiled in 2002 and stands right in the middle of the town, close to his childhood home and to the museum dedicated to him. Many Irish visitors come here on a pilgrimage. Thus I have seen tons of pictures of this statue on postcards, posters, brochures, but I have curiously never seen any shot made from this angle and with this lighting.
Thank you for the interesting information - Ireland's history is so pertinent to such a large number of people around the world. My husband's Great Grandfather was one of 2 children who survived the murder of his family by British soldiers. He was then transported to England where he was forced to work in the mines of Cornwall. He survived and emigrated to Australia. We don't even know the real family name as he was forced to take the name of the family who worked him in the mine.
I do like how your image has brought this statue to life - the lighting and your POV have given him shadows which make him so lifelike - you an almost see him emphasizing his point with that finger. :)
@robz Thanks, Rob, for commenting with this testimony from your family. It looks that the story of Ireland is full of though and sad stories like that. They are still kept very alive in the mind of people here, and transmitted to the younger generations who embrace them. In particular, I notice that the hardships from the historical periods of English occupation are deeply remembered, even if there is absolutely no resentment vs the current English people. The official apology from Queen Elizabeth II at Dublin in 2011 was deeply appreciated and watched on all television screens. See https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ireland-queen/britains-queen-offers-sympathy-regret-to-ireland-idUSTRE74H2NW20110518
I do like how your image has brought this statue to life - the lighting and your POV have given him shadows which make him so lifelike - you an almost see him emphasizing his point with that finger. :)