Story perspectives

Sheffield Council Challenges 30-Tonne Michael Collins Memorial Approval

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 10:36 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Sheffield City Council disputes the newly erected 30-tonne marble memorial for Michael Collins in Shiregreen Cemetery.
The nine-and-a-half-foot monument includes life-size white statues of Collins and Jesus, plus Guinness and Budweiser symbols.
Widow Kathleen Collins warned of “war” if the council orders the monument’s removal.
Council says memorials require Bereavement Services approval and hopes the family will submit a retrospective application.

History

Historical Context

After Charlottesville City Council voted 3-2 in February 2017 to remove the Robert E. Lee monument—a decision that sparked lawsuits, a 2017 Unite-the-Right rally and the statue’s eventual removal in July 2021—the city’s legal battles reshaped national debate over public memorials. Sheffield City Council now faces a similar clash, reviewing a commercial-branded Michael Collins marble memorial that could trigger fresh litigation.

1 of 2

Story summary

Sheffield City Council disputes the newly erected 30-tonne marble memorial for Michael Collins in Shiregreen Cemetery.
The nine-and-a-half-foot monument includes life-size white statues of Collins and Jesus, plus Guinness and Budweiser symbols.
Widow Kathleen Collins warned of “war” if the council orders the monument’s removal.
Council says memorials require Bereavement Services approval and hopes the family will submit a retrospective application.

1 / 2