Two Pioneers of Labour movement remembered in Inchicore
Ceantar Mhaighneann
The Kilmainham and Inchicore Heritage Group
The Kilmainham and Inchicore Heritage Group unveiled two plaques to Labour pioneers at the old ITGWU premises, ‘Emmet Hall’ at 122 Emmet Road, Inchicore, on Friday 4th November
Jack O’Connor President of SIPTU, Eamon O’ Cuiv TD. Aengus O’ Snodaigh TD, Michael Conaghan TD, Catherine Byrne TD, Joan Collins TD, Padraig Yeates Author and Historian, Manus O’ Riordan Historian, Francis Devine Historian, and Una Ó Callanáin, granddaughter of Michael Mallin. Other members of the Mallin Family also attended.
The building was first purchased by Jim Larkin, founder of the ITGWU in 1913 and his name was inscribed on the Deeds. Larkin appointed William Partridge as manager of the Emmet Hall In 1913. Partridge organised ITGWU meetings and activities in the Hall and he travelled extensively around Ireland organising the activities of the Union.
During the 1913 Lockout Partridge was instrumental in the setting up of the Irish Citizen Army. In the 1916 Rising he fought in the College of Surgeons. Arrested and sent to Lewes Prison, his health deteriorated and he died soon after his release in 1917.
James Connolly nominated Michael Mallin as Chief-of-Staff of the Irish Citizen Army in 1914 . Its members practised and drilled at the Emmet Hall from 1914 until 1916. In 1915 the Mallin Family moved into this premises and lived above the Hall.
In 1916 when James Connolly was in the GPO, the main command of the ICA devolved on Michael Mallin, who was based in the Royal College of Surgeons on St Stephen’s Green. When the Rebellion ended Michael Mallin was tried by Court-Martial and executed on May 8th, 1916 in Kilmainham Gaol. He was survived by his wife Agnes Hickey, his three sons and two daughters all of whom continued to live at this premises for several years.
“The Heritage group regards the erection of this plaques on this premises as long overdue and sees it as the commencement of ceremonies marking the run-up to the 1913 Lockout”, Michael O’Flanagan, Secretary, said at the unveiling. He also thanked SIPTU for its generous support.
O’Flanagan Secretary Tel. 0864099148
Chairman; Michael Conaghan, TD Secretary; Michael O’Flanagan; Treasurer; Rita Sutton Committee; Catherine Byrne TD, Seosamh O’Broin, Peter Keenahan, Ray McGovern, Marie Porter, Sally Morgan.