Huge memorial to dad, 51, erected in cemetery

A huge marble memorial to a Sheffield man has been erected in a city cemetery, just yards from a similarly grand tribute to his brother.

The black stone plinth is a monument to Michael Collins, who died aged 51 in December 2024, and features a near life-size figure stood between carvings appearing to represent Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

The memorial, at Shiregreen Cemetery, is opposite a large white headstone for William Collins, which appeared in 2022.

Michael Collins' son said "everything" had been approved by Sheffield City Council for the new memorial, but the local authority said final permission had not been granted.

There is a set of gates in front of the figures, with a Bluetooth jukebox featuring Irish flags.

In March 2022, a white marble monument to William Collins appeared at the site, featuring statues of a man in a boxing stance, biblical figures and the word "King" emblazoned in gold lettering across the front.

Dad-of-nine William Collins died in Majorca, aged 49, in 2020.

Memorials in publicly run cemeteries in Sheffield do not need planning permission, but families do need to apply and receive written approval from the local authority before installation.

Sheffield City Council said the monument to Michael Collins was "erected before final approval was given".

It added: "The final design was not submitted, formal approval was not issued and payment was not made before the memorial was installed.

"The memorial as erected also includes elements that were not part of the design previously discussed with the council.

"The memorial mason has since contacted the council and indicated that the family wishes to regularise the situation."

The council said it was "seeking a retrospective application" for the memorial as it appeared, but that no decision had been made and approval could not be guaranteed.

Collins' son said: "Everything has been approved for this headstone with the council itself. Everything has been done by the book.

"It's a shame others (who) don't have anything nice to say can't do what we have done for my father and uncles.

"This is what causes a lot of jealousy and a lot of hateful comments. I just want my father to rest in peace."

Sheffield City Council said it was still "working through the appropriate processes" in relation to the Willy Collins memorial, having said four years ago that was built without permission too.

A spokesperson said: "At this stage discussions remain ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment further."

Mourners at the cemetery who were tending to other graves on Friday expressed mixed views about both memorials.

One man said: "It's too big.

"Of course the council should stop them, otherwise everybody will just make up their own rules and regulations and will make them as they want to.

"If they keep it simple it's much better."

However, a woman who was also at the cemetery said: "It looks very nice.

"If they've paid for the plot then I don't see the difference.

"It's a bit big but if they've got money to spend I don't see the problem."

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