Photo of Kitty at Béal na Bláth is creating interest

RARE photos of Michael Collins’ fiancée Kitty Kiernan at Béal na Bláth are among several items being auctioned shortly. 

The photos are part of a collection of personal items belonging to Kitty, which includes a vanity case with silver topped glass jars and other accessories, as well as a head scarf and a pair of leather gloves which Whyte’s auction house in Dublin values at between €3000 and €5000.

‘The Kitty Kiernan collection has generated huge interest from both national and international buyers,’ Ian Whyte of Whyte’s told The Southern Star. ‘We also have other lots with a connection to Michael Collins for sale next month and these include a booklet published just after his death and a set of Michael Collins memorial gold medals.’

However, it is the two photos of a glum and crestfallen Kitty sitting at the side of the road in Béal na Bláth that have sparked the interest of many.

‘Each photo is inscribed on the rear with the words, “Roadside Béal na Bláth August 1923”,’ Ian Whyte continued. ‘As Collins was assassinated on the 22nd of August 1922 it would appear that Kitty made the pilgrimage to the site exactly one year after the event.’

‘There is a lot of interest in these items given the commemorations taking place across the country,’ Ian Whyte said. The auction is certainly going to be busy as we’ve already had a large number of people looking for more information about the lots for sale. It should be a very busy day.’

Kitty went on to marry Felix Cronin, Quartermaster General in the Irish Army in 1925. They had two sons, Felix Cronin and Michael Collins Cronin.

The auction takes place at the Freemason’s Hall, Molesworth Street in Dublin on Saturday May 5th. See whytes.ie.