New Collins Memorial Sparks Controversy in Sheffield
A towering marble memorial for Michael Collins was erected next to his brother Willy’s 37‑ton headstone in Sheffield’s Shiregreen Cemetery, sparking local outrage over alleged planning breaches. Residents question why the new monument was allowed when the original was not, while the Collins family…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the heart of Sheffield’s Shiregreen Cemetery, a new nine‑foot‑high marble memorial has been unveiled to honour Michael Collins, the brother of the famed Traveller King, Willy Collins. The monument sits just metres from Willy’s own 37‑ton, £200,000 headstone, a placement that has reignited a long‑standing dispute over planning permissions and the right to erect large memorials on council land.
Who Were the Collins Brothers?
Willy Collins, known locally as the “King of Sheffield,” was a bare‑knuckle boxer who gained notoriety in the Traveller community. He died in 2020 at the age of 49 after collapsing in Majorca, Spain, and was buried in a 22‑carat gold coffin at Shiregreen Cemetery. His gravesite, complete with Irish flags and a prominent “KING” inscription, was built without the required planning permission, prompting Sheffield City Council to investigate.
Michael Collins, the younger brother, passed away in December 2021 at 51. He was a devoted father of four and a central figure in the family’s life in Sheffield. His death prompted the family to commission a new memorial that they say reflects his character and the deep bonds he shared with his siblings.
The Controversy Over Planning Permissions
The original Willy Collins headstone was erected in 2020 without council approval, leading to a formal complaint from the council and a public debate about the legality of such large monuments on council land. Residents expressed anger, with one local remarking, “If they didn’t get permission the first time, why is this allowed?” Another lamented, “A shrine that big should be in a private cemetery, not a council one.”
Despite the earlier controversy, the new Michael Collins memorial was built this month. The structure features two life‑size white statues of Michael, a central figure flanked by representations of Jesus Christ, and a black marble base adorned with images of Coca‑Cola bottles and heartfelt messages. A working Bluetooth marble jukebox and a sculpture of a Ford Transit van add to the eclectic mix of tributes.
Community Reactions and Family Statements
Local reactions have been mixed. Some residents describe the new monument as a “beautiful place to remember loved ones,” while others compare the site to “haunted crazy golf” and criticize the lack of planning oversight. The Collins family, however, stands firm in their decision to honour Michael. A family member said, “He was a loving father, uncle, brother, husband and son. He lived and died for his wife and children.”
Michael’s daughter, Paris, expressed her grief, noting that her father “doted on his little grandbaby” and that he “thought the world of her.” She added that the family has been together for 27 years and that Michael’s spirit now rests with his brother, sister‑in‑law, and niece.
What Happens Next?
Sheffield City Council has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the new memorial’s compliance with planning regulations. The council’s stance on the earlier Willy Collins headstone remains unclear, and the community awaits clarification on whether the latest monument will face similar scrutiny.
As the debate continues, the Collins family hopes the memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to their brothers’ legacy, while residents seek assurance that future projects will adhere to the same planning standards that were allegedly bypassed in 2020.
Key facts
- Michael Collins memorial built beside Willy Collins’ headstone
- Both monuments erected without planning permission
- Local residents divided over the new tribute
- Family defends memorial as heartfelt homage
- Council yet to clarify legality of new monument
Why it matters
The dispute highlights tensions between community traditions and municipal planning regulations, raising questions about how memorials on public land should be managed.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the original Willy Collins headstone built without permission?
The family reportedly did not obtain the required planning approval before construction, leading to a formal complaint by the council.
What is the size of the new Michael Collins memorial?
The monument stands nine and a half feet tall, featuring life‑size statues and a black marble base.
Will the council take action against the new memorial?
The council has not yet released a statement; residents are awaiting clarification.
Are there other Collins family members buried at Shiregreen?
Yes, the four Collins brothers—Michael, Willy, Terry, and Anthony—are all interred there.
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Memorial to brother of 'Traveller King' built next to headstone”
