National - Event Notice
Thursday January 01 1970

McKearney to Speak at Connolly Commemoration

national | anti-capitalism | event notice

Saturday April 19, 2008 18:26

by eirigi

press at eirigi dot org

Promoting the politics of the Rising

Former hunger-striker and radical trade union organiser Tommy McKearney is to be the guest speaker at éirígí's third annual James Connolly Commemoration on May 10.

McKearney, originally from county Tyrone, spent 16 years in prison for his part in the republican struggle in the Six Counties; during which time he took part in the blanket and no-wash protests, as well as spending 53 days on hunger strike in late 1980 in the battle for political status.

Since his release from prison, McKearney has devoted his time to organising the Independent Workers' Union and writing for several publications, including the republican magazine Fourthwrite.

For a Socialist Republic

éirígí chairperson Brian Leeson, who will also be speaking at next month's Arbour Hill gathering, said McKearney would be a worthy predecessor to last year's speaker, Bernadette Devlin-McAliskey:

"Tommy McKearney has dedicated his life to the struggle for independence and socialism in Ireland - from fighting the British government from inside and outside of prison, to taking on exploitative bosses through the Independent Workers' Union - it is therefore highly appropriate that he will be giving this
year's James Connolly oration.

"Last year, Bernadette Devlin-McAliskey provided a rousing and inspirational speech and we are confident that this, now annual commemoration can provide a rallying point for all those who believe in implementing the ideals of James Connolly and his comrades.

"I would for appeal for all republicans and socialists to clear their diaries on May 12 and get all along to Arbour Hill."

People are asked to assemble at Arbour Hill Cemetery, Dublin at 3.15pm on Saturday, May 10. All those who wish to remember James Connolly and shape society around his ideas are welcome.

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Comments (8 of 8)

youtube

by Handy

Mon May 12, 2008 21:44

Speeches are on youtube

Dignified and refreshing

by Caobhin

Mon May 12, 2008 20:55

Eirigi speech was very good,Tommys was spot on and excellent (Maybe someone could post???), well done to all concerned.

Connolly Remembered

by Socialist Republican

Sun May 11, 2008 13:15

Took a stroll along to Arbor Hill yesterday afternoon and thought this was a fitting commemoration of the great man.

McEarney's speech was very good I thought. Thankfully the rain stayed away, it looked like it was gonna lash down.

Anyway, just wanted to say well done eirigi & guests.

Congrats!

by Oscuridad

Sat Apr 19, 2008 20:52

Sorry. I was distracted by all that clarifying.

Meant to say congratulations to éirígí on organising what should be a good comemmoration

Beir bua

BH

Where there is darkness let there be Clarity. Pah!!

Sat Apr 19, 2008 20:50

"Tommy McKearney is to be the GUEST speaker...."

That's from the first sentence of the press release. Is that clarity enough Clarity? Methinks you are probably someone who needs things clarified for you quite often

Nobody is claiming that they are.

by Clarified

Sat Apr 19, 2008 19:36

Clarify,

Where has anybody ever suggested that either Bernadette or Tommy are members of éirígí?

If you actually read the text above you will see that no such claim is made. Tommy's profile includes his role in the prison struggle and his role in the IWU. How that can be taken as an implication of membershio of éirígi is beyond me.

Bernadette McAlsikey's attendance at last years commemoration was also as a guest speaker as was Bernard Foxes at their Thomas Ashe commemoration in Sept 2007.

If you take the time to read any of éirígí statements it is abundantly clear when people are speaking as members or as supporters or as guests.

Connolly Commemoration 2007

by éirígí - éirígí

Sat Apr 19, 2008 19:16

Some photos from last year

A section of Bernadette McAliskey's address can be viewed here

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=OvvM3LP_qGQ

Piper leads parade