Michael (Cover) - Pat Kelleher (Composer - Johnny McEvoy)

Michael Collins (1890 - 1922)
In a few days' time on August 22nd, 2022 we commemorate the centenary of Corkman Michael Collins Irish revolutionary, soldier, and politician who was a leading figure in the early-20th century struggle for Irish independence. During the Irish Civil War in August 1922 at the age of 31, he was ambushed and shot in Béal na Bláth in West Cork. He was certainly a colourful fearless intelligent young man with plenty of fire in his belly who defied British intelligence and managed to escape execution after the 1916 Easter Rising. Here is the great song “Michael” written about “The Big Fellow” by Irish living folk singer/songwriter legend and national treasure Johnny McEvoy. Do some research on him and you’ll find many interesting facts and traits about this man.

Michael (Written by Johnny McEvoy)

On a far-off August day, cold young men in ambush lay
On a roadside, by a hill where flowers grow
So much hate for one so young, who was right and who was wrong
Though a thousand years may pass, we'll never know

Chorus

Candles dripping blood, they placed beside your shoulder
Rosary beads, like teardrops on your fingers
Friends and comrades standing by
In their grief, they wonder why, Michael,
In their hour of need, you had to go

And when evening twilight came, gently fell the autumn rain
The dew lay still and silent on the ground
As we hung our heads in prayer, in our sorrow and despair
We wonder was it friend or foe who shot you down

Chorus

Now the flame that you held high, when you called out to the sky
To end this senseless killing and this shame
Has now passed to other hands, and is carried through the land
By some not fit to even speak your name

Chorus +
Michael,
In their hour of need, why did you go