RTÉ to air programmes marking 100 years since killing of Michael Collins

RTÉ has this week announced a number of special programmes to mark this month's 100th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins.

One of the most pivotal figures in Irish history, Collins was shot dead in Béal na Bláth, in his native county of Cork, on August 22, 1922.

Asking difficult questions and using contemporary scientific analysis, former State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy will present Cold Case Collins, a television docu-drama that re-opens the case of the assassination of Michael Collins.

A one-off programme, Cold Case Collins will be broadcast on RTÉ One on Wednesday, August 24, at 9.35pm.

His killing is one of the most contested events in Irish history, igniting acrimonious arguments that have endured ever since. Cold Case Collins imagines the investigation that never took place, with an interrogation room set to uncover what happened in Béal na Bláth.

Professor Cassidy will chair a 21st century cold case comprising forensic scientists, criminal investigators, military strategists, archaeologists, archivists and historians.

To mark the centenary of the assassination of Collins, RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland will broadcast from the Munster Arms Hotel, Bandon on Friday August 19, formerly Lee’s Hotel, where Michael Collins was photographed alive for the last time, 30 minutes before he was killed.

This special Morning Ireland will have an extended broadcast on the RTÉ digital news channel.

Detailing what we know of his death, Nationwide on RTÉ One television on Wednesday, August 17, will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Collins who helped alter the course of modern history during his 32 years.

Donal Byrne looks at Collins's early life and influences and hears how he became a master political strategist and organiser.

On Monday, August 22, Nationwide marks another pivotal date in Irish history: the 100th anniversary of the foundation of An Garda Síochána.

Born out of revolution and war, An Garda Síochána has evolved from being a force that, for many years, dealt with little very serious crime to an organisation that has had to adjust to dealing with organised crime and the complexities of modern Irish life.

RTÉ said that the online page, RTE.ie/history would also "continue to host a wide range of content relevant to this period."