Michael Collins Diaries Return to Clonakilty with Rare Italian Correspondence
Michael Collins' Italian connection revealed in rare letters now on display at Clonakilty museum until 31 August.
For the fourth consecutive year, the personal diaries of Michael Collins have returned to his home county, bringing with them previously unseen letters that reveal the revolutionary leader's international diplomatic efforts during Ireland's fight for independence.
The annual exhibition at Michael Collins House Museum in Clonakilty, which opened on 28 July and runs until 31 August, features a significant new addition this year: correspondence between Collins and fellow Cork man Donal Hales, who served as the Irish Republic's consular agent in Italy from 1919 to 1922.
The letters, preserved in the National Archives and displayed publicly for the first time, offer intimate insights into Collins' efforts to build international support for Irish independence. From his base in Genoa, Hales regularly sent Italian newspaper clippings and European intelligence to Collins, while receiving candid updates about the escalating conflict at home.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley:
"We are pleased to once again feature the diaries at the Michael Collins House Museum throughout August. The newly included correspondence on loan from the National Archives, between Michael Collins and Donal Hales significantly enriches this year's exhibition, offering a more intimate perspective on the lives and relationships that shaped our nation's history."
The correspondence reveals how Hales, originally from Knocknacurra near Bandon, used his position in Italy to influence European opinion about Ireland's independence movement. Working as a teacher and married to an Italian woman, Hales published pro-Irish articles in major Italian newspapers including La Stampa and even Mussolini's Il Popolo d'Italia.
The exhibition showcases Collins' working diary from 1919 alongside letters and postcards exchanged between the two men, including Italian newspaper clippings that Hales enclosed to show Collins how the Irish cause was being reported abroad. The personal tone of many letters reflects the trust between the two Cork men during a pivotal period in Irish history.
Orlaith McBride, Director of the National Archives:
"The National Archives is proud to support the continued loan of the Michael Collins Diaries to Clonakilty, along with included correspondence from our collections, which deepens our understanding of Collins' international role. Partnerships like this reflect our commitment to preserving and sharing Ireland's rich documentary heritage."
The five diaries, on loan from the family of the late Liam and Betty Collins of Clonakilty, have undergone extensive conservation and digitisation at the National Archives. Visitors can explore all five volumes through an interactive touchscreen display at the museum.
Tragically, Donal Hales' brother Seán, a pro-Treaty TD, was assassinated in December 1922, adding another layer of poignancy to these documents that chronicle the complex relationships and sacrifices of the revolutionary period.
The museum has extended its opening hours throughout August, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm. Admission is free, making this rare glimpse into Collins' international diplomatic work accessible to all.
For Cork locals and visitors alike, the exhibition offers a chance to see how two West Cork men worked across borders to secure Irish independence, with Hales providing crucial intelligence and propaganda support from Italy while Collins coordinated the fight at home.
