James Collins (Irish politician)

He joined the Irish Volunteers in 1915. During the Irish War of Independence, Collins took part in several attacks and operations against British forces. He served as Brigade Adjutant, West Limerick Brigade, Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Column Commander of the brigade's 2nd Battalion Active Service Unit. ==Politics==

On the cessation of hostilities, he worked as a farmer and a rate collector for Limerick County Council. He was a founder member of Fianna Fáil. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a Fianna Fáil TD for the Limerick West constituency at the 1948 general election and re-elected at each election until his death in 1967. He was succeeded in the by-election of November 1967, by his son Gerry Collins. Another son, Michael J. Collins was later elected for the same constituency. His grandson Niall Collins, has served as a TD for Limerick County since 2011. ==See also==