Michael Collins' walking stick makes €11,000 at auction tonight

By BRIAN MOORE

A WALKING stick belonging to General Michael Collins has sold for €11,000 at an auction at deVeres in Dublin tonight.

The walking stick, with which Michael Collins was often photographed, in the uniform of a General of the Free State Army, was reportedly given by the famous West Cork man to his driver John (Jack) Cormack, after he was wounded in the hand and leg during an ambush in 1921 during the Civil War.

The bidding was hot and heavy and soon surpassed the top estimated price of €4,000, with bidders both online and in the auction room.

The successful bidder, who was in the room, has not been identified yet, but it is hoped that the walking stick will return to West Cork or at least stay within the county.

Read more in this week's Southern Star, out on Thursday.