A historic cottage in Co Longford, which served as a column headquarters of General Seán MacEoin during the "Battle of Ballinalee" in 1920, has been renovated and opened to the public.
A close friend of Michael Collins, MacEoin was one of the crucial players in the War of Independence over 100 years ago.
The Longford blacksmith went on to become chief of staff of the Army and later a Fine Gael government minister.
The building called the 'Rose Cottage', where he masterminded his defences, has now been developed into an exhibition centre.
It will tell the story of the War of Independence and the Battle of Ballinalee, which took place on 4 November 1920.
It will also function as a community hub. The local community has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
They opposed plans a number of years ago to knock the cottage and develop housing on the site.
This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Ballinalee Community Group, and Longford County Council.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will officially open the centre this afternoon.
Longford Pipe Band and an Army Colour Party will also participate in the ceremony, leading dignitaries to the Seán MacEoin statue for a ceremonial wreath laying.
