He was appointed principal of St Peter's College, Wexford by Bishop Brendan Comiskey in 1988 despite his removal by Comiskey's predecessor, Bishop Donal J. Herlihy, following allegations of Collins sexually abusing pupils in his charge.
Despite accusations of child sexual abuse, Bishop Brendan Comiskey appointed the individual as principal of St Peter's College, Wexford in 1988. This appointment was made despite the previous allegations against him by his predecessor, Bishop Donal J. Herlihy.