Actor attending ceremony in Clonakilty to mark 80 years since Collins's death, writes Dick Hogan, Southern Correspondent

Tonight in Clonakilty, Hollywood screen star Liam Neeson, who played him in the film, will unveil a seven-foot statue of Michael Collins near the centre of the west Cork town, to mark the 80th anniversary of his death.

Clonakilty has always been a gateway to other parts of scenic west Cork. But since the success of the film, released in 1996, almost 80 per cent of tourists and visitors who pass through the town are there to find out more about Collins and his family home at nearby Woodfield, which is now a State-owned monument to his memory.

For Cumann Seanchais, the local historical society, the reawakening of interest in Collins as one of Ireland's great historical figures, was the spur over two years ago, to erect a permanent monument to him in the town.

The cost of the project would be €100,000, and as the fund-raising drive gathered pace, the idea was born to ask Liam Nelson if he would perform the honours.

The approach was made by members of the film cast based in Castlebar, Co Mayo, and within three days of asking, Neeson had agreed. Last night, he flew into Shannon Airport en route to Clonakilty. Tonight a crowd of up to 5,000 people is expected to be present for the unveiling ceremony at 8 p.m.

The late Mr Liam Collins, a nephew of Collins, was one of the driving forces behind the historical society for many years.

It was through his efforts that Woodfield, then in ruins, was acquired in 1988 and restored. In October 1990, the homestead was handed over to the State and is now a major tourist attraction.

According to Mrs Dolores Crowley, who together with her husband, Tim, and Mr Traolach Ó Donnabhain, have worked for over two-and-a-half years on the project with other members of the society, it was felt that Clonakilty needed a permanent and suitable monument to Michael Collins.

The Liam Neeson portrayal in the film had heightened interest in Collins and people from other parts of Ireland and much further afield were regular visitors to the town to find out more.

Tours to Béal na Bláth and Woodfield had become hugely popular, Mrs Crowley said. The seven-foot bronze statue by Mallow-based sculptor, Kevin Holland, would be a fitting and enduring tribute to Micheal Collins, she added.

The memorial project received a grant of €30,000 from the State as well as donations of $15,000 from the United States.

Tonight, as part of a final push to raise the last tranche of finance, the society will be selling issues of the The West Cork People, the newspaper published in Clonakilty from 1905 to 1908 by Collins's sister Margaret, and her husband Patrick O'Driscoll.

The special edition of the newspaper includes reproductions of two of the original pages as well as several newly commissioned articles on Collins. It will sell for €5.

The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, will be present for the unveiling as well as a representative of the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and politicians from the other parties. Two of Michael Collins's nieces, Ms Joan Bunsworth and Ms Nancy Hurley, as well as many grand-nieces and nephews, will also be there.