James Collins (Irish politician)
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James Collins | |
|---|---|
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office February 1948 – 1 September 1967 | |
| Constituency | Limerick West |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 October 1900 Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Ireland |
| Died | 1 September 1967 (aged 66) Abbeyfeale, County Limerick, Ireland |
| Party | Fianna Fáil |
| Spouse |
Margaret Collins (m. 1930) |
| Children | 5, including Gerry and Michael |
| Relatives | Niall Collins (grandson) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | |
| Years of service | 1919–1923 |
| Battles/wars | |
James John Collins (30 October 1900 – 1 September 1967) was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Limerick West constituency from 1948 to 1967.[1]
He joined the Irish Volunteers in 1915. During the Irish War of Independence, Collins took part in several attacks and operations against British forces. He served as Brigade Adjutant, West Limerick Brigade, Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Column Commander of the brigade's 2nd Battalion Active Service Unit.[2] After the Anglo-Irish Treaty, he was Officer Commanding of the IRA garrison occupying Newcastle West Royal Irish Constabulary barracks and fought on the anti-Treaty side in the Irish Civil War.
He was arrested in September 1922 but escaped from custody after one week, was recaptured in December 1922 but escaped again in March 1923. Collins was 'on the run' until May 1924. Collins was later awarded a pension by the Irish government under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934 for his service with the Irish Volunteers and the IRA between 1918 and 1923.[2]