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Collins's 'high nelly' to tour Ireland

THE original bicycle used by Michael Collins to get around Dublin is to go on tour as part of an exhibition.

The 'high nelly' was recently located by an historian after a lengthy search and will now go on tour with similar bikes.

Custom-made for Collins in 1919 the bicycle features in one of the best known photographs of the IRA leader who later served as finance minister in the Dail.

The "elusive" Rudge Whitworth was finally traced by high nelly historian Marty Mannering and his team after a seven month search.

Their search started out in Clonakilty where they spoke to staff at the Michael Collins museum without luck before speaking to relatives of Collins including grandniece, former MEP Mary Banotti.

They were then given the name of a priest who was said to have the bike and eventually put in touch with the man who now owns the historic item.

Mr Mannering said: "It took seven months but we now have the bike. It's on loan to us."

When told of the development Ms Banotti said she was "delighted".

"It was a very efficient way for him [Collins] to get around. I think for him being anonymous and unrecognised was vital," she said.

"The bicycle ironically turned out to be the safest form of transport. The high nelly was the bike of choice at the time."

The exhibition begins at the Elemental festival in Limerick on September 14.