James Byrne honoured by two events in Deans Grange Cemetery

There was a Commemoration organised by the Men’s Shed Movement in Loughlinstown to mark the Centenary of the death of Irish Transport and General Workers Union branch secretary James Byrne during the 1913 Lockout at Deans Grange Cemetery, County Dublin last Sunday. It was addressed by John Douglas, President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Another commemoration will take place at the same time 12 noon, next Sunday, organised by local the  Trades Union activists.

Byrne was a coal heaver by trade who was made ITGWU branch secretary by Jim Larkin. He built a very effective local organisation and was the first trade union official to be arrested in the Lockout, serving a week in Mountjoy for ‘jostling’ a tram inspector. In October 1913 he was charged with intimidating strike breakers. Claiming to be framed he refused bail and went on hunger and thirst in protest at his arrest. He died of pneumonia six days later.

Over three thousand workers attended his funeral where the oration was given by James Connolly, who declared that Byrne had been ‘murdered as surely as any one of those who had suffered for the sacred cause of liberty’.

Here are some illustrations – old and new – regarding this Lockout martyr who as forgotten for so long.

Photograph thought to be of James Byrne’s funeral on November 4th, 1913

James Byrne prison record from period of first incarceration in August 1913

James Byrne prison record from period of first incarceration in August 1913

Here are some photographs from last Sunday’s event and we hope to post more from Sunday’s event as well.

Jason McLean and Shane O’Brien from Loughlinstown Mens Shed movement

John Douglas, President of ICTU giving the oration at Hames Byrne commemoration on November 2nd at Deans Grange

 

Shane O’Brien, Chairperson LMS laying grief at James Byrne’s grave

 

Shane O’Brien, Chairperson LMS laying grief at James Byrne’s grave