The Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson unveiled a life-size statue of Michael Collins in west Cork yesterday and said that he felt a deep connection with the assassinated statesman and the people of his native Clonakilty.
The 50-year-old Antrim-born actor spoke of his immense pride in playing Michael Collins in the Neil Jordan film of the same name in 1996.
"It means everything to be here. It was the greatest professional experience of my life to play him [Collins] on film. I feel a deep connection with him.
"It took almost 12 years to put that film together. I feel very close to him, especially when I am here and see the west Cork faces." Neeson jetted in from New York for the unveiling of sculptor Kevin Holland's seven-foot bronze statue of the Republican hero.
The piece is modelled on photographs of Collins speaking in Clonakilty just two months before his death in August 1922.
The unveiling ceremony in Clonakilty took place 80 years to the day after Collins' death in an ambush at Béal na mBláth in Co Cork.
Memorabilia, including Collins's car and love letters to girlfriend Kitty Kiernan, were on display in Clonakilty yesterday.
Hundreds flocked to Emmet Square in the town for the unveiling of the Collins monument, which is next to his sister Margaret's residence.
The statue bears the inscription "The people are splendid", which was the last entry in Collins's diary as he toured around the county in the weeks prior to his death in an ambush.
Collins's words were echoed yesterday by Liam Neeson, who said it was a great honour to be invited to the ceremony by the locals in Clonakilty.
"The people here have put in a fantastic effort and I feel an affinity with them. It is important to bring Michael Collins out in to the light. He was a remarkable man."
Neeson received an award at the Venice Film Festival and a Golden Globe best actor nomination for his portrayal of Michael Collins.