Dominic Collins was born in Youghal in 1566. His father was a leading figure
in business and Dominic may well have attended the school opened by the Jesuit
Fathers who opened a school in Youghal in 1577. Two years later Youghal was
sacked by the Earl of Desmond. Opportunities were not great for business now
and Dominic left Youghal for France in 1586.
France did not seem to offer him great opportunities. Dominic became a soldier in the army of the Catholic League in 1589, in the French War of Religions. He subsequently transferred to the Spanish Forces as the best hope of Catholicism in France. It was from here that he transferred his allegiance to a spiritual army, entering the Society of Jesus in Spain in 1589.
In 1601 Phillip III of Spain had a fleet sail for Ireland to help Hugh O'Neill
in their rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I. A Jesuit priest, James Archer
from Kilkenny sailed with the fleet and with him was Br. Dominic Collins, sailing
on a separate ship. The battle that resulted at Kinsale was devastating for
the fleet and Dominic's ship finally landed at Castlehaven, taking refuge in
Dunboy Castle. This fort was laid siege to under Sir George Carew, Lord President
of Munster, and stormed on June 18th. All were massacred except Dominic and
two others. The two others were executed in Cork, but Dominic continued to be
questioned. He was sentenced to be hanged and this sentence was carried out
in his native town of Youghal on 31st. October 1602. On the gallows he proclaimed
his support of his faith.
The event is commemorated in one of the carvings at St. Colman's Cathedral,
Cobh. It is to be found on the South side, above the arches, six carvings from
the door.
Blessed Dominic Collins is listed among the Irish Martyrs and was beatified
by Pope John Paul II on 27th. September 1992.