Martin first Fianna Fail leader to pay tribute to Collins

Taoiseach’s speech will mark centenary of deadly ambush

- FERGHAL BLANEY

MICHEAL Martin will become the first Fianna Fail leader to address the Michael Collins commemoration later this year.

The annual Beal na Blath ceremony is held at the spot where Collins, often viewed as one of Fine Gael’s founding members, was shot dead during the Civil War.

Brian Lenihan was the first Fianna Fail politician to speak at the commemoration, in 2010.

But this will be the first time ever the leaders of the two old Civil War parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, will share the stage at the event.