Young Jim Larkin, Helena Molony and 1913

Quite a number of witness statements to the Bureau of Military History refer to the 1913 Lockout. Here are links to statements by Young Jim Larkin and Helena Molony. Young Jim’s speech was primarily an act of remembrance but it encapsulates the values of the workers very well. (Please note Bloody Sunday was August 31st, not August 30th as stated in the text). Helena Molony’s statement is of far greater historical importance and spans a much longer time span and range of issues. She is particularly good on the role of individuals, assessing them well and leaning generally on the side of generosity where she felt neutrality was not an option.   She championed James Connolly’s role in 1913, and subsequently, rather than Big Jim Larkin’s. She is also very interesting on Countess Markievicz.

Helena Molony has a great story to tell

Jim Larkin: ‘A city of genteel dastards and bellowing slaves’

http://www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS0906.pdf

Helena Molony: ‘A counter blast to the orgy of Flunkeyism’

http://www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS0391.pdf

Thanks to Peter Rigney of ICTU for bringing these to our attention