Pictured above are members of the Ayrfield Men’s Shed group who attended the annual commemoration ceremony in Cathal Brugha Barracks on 22 August 2025, marking the death of Michael Collins in an ambush on 22 August 1922.
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It was a portrait of the iconic patriot painted by local artist Bernard Fallon that had led to the group’s attendance, and not a shared political conviction as to which side was right in the civil war that followed the signing of the treaty on 6 December1921.
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Named after Cathal Brugha, the barracks has a military museum, and on this quietly dignified occasion there was on display Bernard’s portrait of Collins together with a fine bust of Cathal Brugha. Collins and Brugha became bitter enemies after the signing of the treaty and within months of the outbreak of the civil war they were killed at the hands of their opposing forces.
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The horrors of the civil war, when Irish men and women took to arms against one another, may be one explanation for why the teaching of history in Irish schools for a generation to follow omitted this terrifying period.
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Also in the museum in Cathal Brugha Barracks are exhibits relating to the execution in the barracks of Francis Sheehy-Skeffington on 26 April 1916.
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Sheehy-Skeffington was a committed pacifist and supporter of women’s rights. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Together with two journalists he was shot by a firing squad. The injustice of the execution was eventually acknowledged by the British government, leading to the British army captain responsible being deemed to be insane.
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War is an unwholesome business - a sobering reflection as all were invited to stand to attention for the playing of the national anthem on this beautiful late summer morning with hardly a puff of wind to unfurl the tricolour.
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It was a moving, and thought provoking experience when the national flag seemed to truly symbolise the importance of peace and reconciliation in all our lives.
Cathal Brugh Barracks July 2nd 2025
Members of Ayrfield Men's Shed after Presentation of Portrait of Michael Collins
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It was a day of sunshine and showers after the presentation of Ayrfield Men’s Shed member and professional artist, Bernard Fallon’s fine portrait of Michael Colins.
Ably organised by Tom Clarke with the support of the membership, the painting was gratefully accepted on behalf of the Irish Army and with full acknowledgement of this unique community initiative.
(For more photos click here)
Seated to the left of his portrait of Michael Collins, artist Bernard Fallon together with fellow members of Ayrfield's Men's Shed.
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On 4 March 2025, Ayrfield Men's Shed members assembled to mark completion of fellow member Bernard Fallon's portrait of Michael Collins. The portrait will be presented to the Irish Army in Cathal Brugh Barracks on behalf of Ayrfield Men's Shed towards the end of March 2025.
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Bernard has many artistic accomplishments to his credit and has produced work that has been exhibited both nationally and internationally.
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Worthy of special mention is his portrait of Arnaud Beltrame, a French Gendarmerie Lieutenant-Colonel, who was killed in action on 24 March 2018 after swapping with one of the hostages during a terrorist attack in a French Supermarket. So impressed was Bernard on learning of Beltrame's heroic act that he decided to paint his portrait and on 28 March 2019 it was formally presented to Gendarmerie Lieutenant-Colonel Etienne Peltier in the presence of the Ambassador of France to Ireland during a ceremony at at the Residence of France to Ireland on Ailesbury Road (see photo below).
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The portrait was then transferred to the family of Arnaud Beltrame before being donated to the Musée National de la Gendarmerie where it will remind visitors of Ireland's support in the wake of terrorist attacks in France.
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Ambassador Stéphanie Crouzat declared: "Mr Fallon's gesture is a powerful symbol of the friendship shown by Ireland to France in the wake of terrorism. The values we share are the first targets of each terrorism act. By honouring the sacrifice made by Colonel Arnaud Beltrame, Mr Fallon reminds us of the importance of human fraternity and the bonds that unite us in the darkest moments"
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Bernard has kindly provided some of his paintings for inclusion in our online Ayrwaves Gallery, which you can visit by clicking here
Ayrfield Men's Shed
The Ayrfield Men's Shed meet every Tuesday afternoon in the Ayrfield Community Centre Blunden Drive between 2 pm and 4 pm. This is a very social occasion with the members taking part in various activities,including Pool, and Bowling, with regular outings to places of general interest. A recent visit to the Dáil was a great success, we had dinner in the Dáil Restaurant, and later a visit to the Dáil bar.
Earlier in the year we had a day trip to Glendalough, which was very rewarding, and a day's outing to Bray on the Dart thanks to the Travel Pass.
The whole concept of our Men's Shed is to enjoy our leisure time with no heavy exertion.
At the moment we have 20 members and are looking to increase the fold, so if you would like to drop in and visit or stay a little longer, feel free to pop in. Just present yourself at the Ayrfield Community Centre any Tuesday between 2 and 4 pm and you will receive a very warm welcome.
P.S. We usually occupy the bar area.
Thomas J Clarke
Hon .Sec.
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See photos at this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/esEqxwoWq7Q9jp7Q8
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