A ceremony marking 104 years since the death of Michael Collins is taking place today at Béal na Bláth in Co Cork.
The annual commemoration will begin at 3pm at the Michael Collins Monument, with RTÉ broadcaster, author and historian David McCullagh delivering this year's main address.
The event is expected to conclude at around 5pm and will include a procession to the monument, the laying of wreaths and a minute's silence. The National Anthem will also be performed.
The ceremony recalls the events of 22 August 1922, when Collins was killed during the Irish Civil War.
At the time, Collins was Commander-in-Chief of the National Army and was travelling through West Cork as part of a small convoy when it came under attack from anti-Treaty forces at Béal na Bláth.
Collins was struck by a bullet in the head during the exchange of fire and died at the scene. He was 31.
The annual ceremony takes place on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of his death.
Speaking before today's event, Mr McCullagh said he was honoured to have been chosen to deliver the oration.
He said Collins had played a number of significant roles throughout his career.
"There are many different aspects to the life and career of Michael Collins; military organiser, intelligence chief, financial mastermind."
Mr McCullagh said Collins subsequently became a diplomat, negotiator and constitutional figure who helped shape the emerging Irish State and Britain's relationship with its former empire.
"But circumstances also turned him into a diplomat, a negotiator and a constitutional craftsman who played a key role, not just in the establishment of an independent Irish state, but in the evolution of Britain’s empire into a commonwealth," he said.
He said the international situation facing Ireland today made it an appropriate time to consider Collins' political legacy.
"As Ireland faces an increasingly turbulent international environment, it is timely to reflect on that legacy, and I am really looking forward to speaking at this year’s commemoration," he added.
Traffic restrictions have been introduced around Béal na Bláth for the event.
The L2011 is closed between 10.30am and 5pm, while there is no parking or vehicle access at the monument itself.
People attending the commemoration are being directed to designated parking facilities approximately 900 metres from the site.
