The nearly life-size monument was unveiled in front of Cork City Library during a public ceremony.

In an homage to the photo of him riding a Pierce bicycle in Wexford in 1922, it features Collins standing next to a bicycle, serving as a reminder of the days when he would ride around Dublin on a bicycle even though he was wanted for murder.

Funded by a crowdsourcing initiative led by the Michael Collins 100 committee, the artwork has been dubbed a "monument for the people, from the people".

A "time capsule" with the names of all those who donated to the fundraising effort has been inserted into the statue's pedestal.

The statue was cast in Germany, then in Macroom, the last layer of bronze patina was applied.

In homage to Collins leading the people in the War of Independence, it is positioned at ground level and encircled by a limestone paving that has been etched with details about Collins' life.

The location was selected because of its historical significance. On March 12, 1922, Collins spoke passionately at a rally on Grand Parade that drew tens of thousands of spectators.

Early on August 22, 1922, Collins' convoy would have passed the location en route to Béal na Bláth, where he would later be shot and killed.

The new statue was commissioned to be made by sculptor Kevin Holland. He was the artist behind the famous Collins statue at Clonakilty.

A number of Cork sporting stars were present at the unveiling, together with members of the Collins family and the Michael Collins 100 committee.

Michael Collins's closest surviving relative and grandniece, Fidelma Collins, expressed her excitement about attending the unveiling.

The Michael Collins 100 committee was excellent to work with and very motivating. She remarked, "I want to thank everyone who helped make this happen.

Tim Crowley, chairman of the Michael Collins 100 Committee, described the presence of a statue of Collins in Cork's city centre as "hugely important".

"This is the precise location where he addressed 50,000 people, provided to us by the Council. The final night of Michael Collins' life was spent in the nearby Imperial Hotel."