President presented with copy of Book recording 1913 Lockout events in Dun Laoghaire (Kingstown)

Mike Lee (left) of Dun Laoghaire 1913 Committee presents copy of the book produced to tell the story of the great Dublin Lockout in Kingstown (as it was then known) to President Michael D Higgins in Aras an Uachtarain on Friday, April 4th, 2014. During the Lockout local Irish Transport and General Workers’ Branch Secretary James Byrne died.

The photograph on the right is thought to be of the funeral of James Byrne, who was buried on 4 November. He had died of pneumonia, having contracted it in custody on hunger and thirst strike, after being arrested on 20 October  for alleged intimidation of a labourer at Heiton’s coal depot. He claimed he had been framed. Over three thousand workers marched to Deans Grange cemetery to bury Byrne in an unmarked grave. James Connolly gave the funeral oration.

He said Byrne had been murdered, ‘As surely as any of the long list of those who had suffered for the sacred cause of liberty. The police vultures and master vultures were not content until they had got Byrne into prison. He had been thrown into a cold, damp, mouldy cell, but so contemptuous was he of those who put him there, that he refused food and drink. If their murdered comrade could send them a message it would be to go on with the fight.’

A Song for the Green Crow

Sunday next 30th March at 7.30 pm the Cle Club will present a dramatic musical and theatrical entertainment based on songs, music, blasts and benedictions of playwright Sean O’Casey. Sunday next is Sean’s Birthday and for the occasion his daughter Shivaun will be in Liberty Hall to participate in this musical celebration. O’Casey the author of so many internationally acclaimed plays was a lifelong supporter and admirer of Jim Larkin, was first Secretary of The Citizen Army, Secretary of the relief committee during the 1913 Lockout and a member of the ITGWU. This production is written and directed by Des Geraghty and supported by some of Ireland’s top singers and musical performers. Tickets are are available from Liberty Hall for €15 or €10 concessions for Union members. Number 0818 205 205 or on line at www. ctb.

Scenes from Irish Citizen Army Commemoration in Liberty Hall, Saturday March 22nd, 2014 – And Minutes Silence for Shane MacThomais

Sabina Higgins reading from Sean O’Casey’s Story of the Irish Citizens Army published in 1917

There was a big turnout for Irish Citizen Army Commemoration in Liberty Hall on Saturday. When SIPTU President Jack O’Connor opened proceedings he asked for  a minute’s silence on behalf of Shane MacThomais. It’s the first time a historian received such an accolade in Liberty Hall – maybe they did it for Sean O’Casey – but unlikely.

The ICA gives battle – ANU Players

Dr Ann Matthews gave a lecture on the formation of the ICA. Sabina

Higgins gave readings from Sean O’Casey’s Story of the Irish Citizen Army and ANU Productions staged a dramatic event symbolising the organisation’s dramatic challenge to native capitalist and British imperialist alike. The ICA Constitution was also read out by members of the ANU cast.  It states:

1. That the first and last principle of the Irish Citizen Army is the avowal that the ownership of Ireland, moral and material, is vested of right in the people of Ireland.
2. That the Irish Citizen Army shall stand for the absolute unity of Irish nationhood, and shall support the rights and liberties of the democracies of all nations.
3. That one of its objects shall be to sink all differences of birth, property and creed under the common name of Irish people.
4. That the Irish Citizen Army shall be open to all who accept the principle of equal rights and opportunities for the Irish people.
5. Before being enrolled, every applicant must, if eligible, be a member of his trade union, such union to be recognised by the Irish Trade Union Congress – See link to listen to some of the music and participants
6. https://soundcloud.com/siptusocialmedia/commemoration-of-the-irish
   

   Jack O’Connor asks for a minute’s silence for Shane MacThomais

   

   Striving for Workers Republic

    

   

   Des Geraghty, Jimmy Kelly and Jimmy Jordan performing

Commemoration of the Irish Citizen Army March 22nd Liberty Hall, Dublin, 3pm

The formation of the Irish Citizen Army was a direct result of the 1913 Lockout but it was not until March 22^nd, 1914, that it ceased to be ‘an airy nothing’, as Sean 
O’Casey put it, and ‘began to forge its way into the stormy centre of Irish politics’. On that day the members voted to adopt a Constitution, elect an Army Council and agreed to rules and regulations that transformed the aspirations of its members into a programme of action.

The Constitution was short and to the point:

1. That the first and last principle of the Irish Citizen Army is the avowal that the ownership of Ireland, moral and material, is vested of right in the people of Ireland.
2. That the Irish Citizen Army shall stand for the absolute unity of Irish nationhood, and shall support the rights and liberties of the democracies of all nations.
3. That one of its objects shall be to sink all differences of birth, property and creed under the common name of Irish people.
4. That the Irish Citizen Army shall be open to all who accept the principle of equal rights and opportunities for the Irish people.
5. Before being enrolled, every applicant must, if eligible, be a member of his trade union, such union to be recognised by the Irish Trade Union Congress.*

*This last point was added to O’Casey’s draft on the suggestion of Jim Larkin, who chaired the meeting. It was formally proposed by Countess Markievicz and seconded by Thomas Healy.

Some things change and some things remain the same – Fighting for Fairness at Work and Justice in Society are slogans as relevant today as they were in 1914

This coming Saturday, March 22^nd, there will be a Commemoration at Liberty Hall 3 pm to 4 pm including an Event by ANU Productions, Music by Des Geraghty and Friends, a Lecture on Foundation of the ICA by Ann Matthews and much more.

Admission Free

See also www.eastwallforall.ie/   

International Women’s Day in Dublin and A Walk With Rosie – Saturday, March 8th

Rosie Hackett with (Left to Right) Frank Robbins, Cathal O’Shannon, Mick Kelly, Bill O’Brien and Tom O’Reilly outside Liberty Hall on her retirement

This Saturday (March 8th) year a very small woman will cast a long shadow over International Women’s Day in Dublin, where a very successful campaign by Labour Youth activists

Mary Mulvihill of Ingenious Ireland (left), Abigail Riley one of participants in first Rosie Hackett walk last Saturday and Therese Caherty, Chairperson of the IWWU Committee at the end of the walk outside Liberty Hall

has led to the naming of the new Luas Bridge across the River Liffey after Rosie Hackett, the 1913 and 1916 veteran, who was also a life long veteran trade unionist.

There will be a Rosie Hackett Walk in the morning led by Mary Mulvihill of Ingenious Ireland starting at 10.50 am on the site of Jacob’s Biscuit factory beside the entrance of DIT, at the junction of Aungier Street, Bishop Street and Redmond’s Hill at 10.50 am. This will visit sites in the city linked with Rosie Hackett, the 1913 Lockout and Easter Rising.
A very successful trial run took place last Saturday, March 1st and hopefully the weather will be as gloriously sunny this weekend. Unfortunately it is already booked out but it is hoped to run similar walks during the coming summer season because of the demand. We will keep you posted
Meanwhile there is a Night of Music & Spoken Word to celebrate the naming of the Rosie Hackett Bridge from 7pm until 10 pm at Cois Life Bar, Liberty Hall.

MC Tara Flynn, actor/writer

Music by Zrazy – All welcome and it’s free – although all donations will be graciously received – Proceeds to the IWWU Committee

Last Performance of RADE Play that won ‘Spirit of the Fringe’ and ‘Best off Site Production’ in Liberty Hall at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, March 4th

RADE’s ‘100 Years Ago’ received rave reviews when it was performed in Dublin Theatre Festival and later in December last year. There is one last performance in Liberty Hall at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, March 4th, 2014. It is being given in aid of the Simon Community.

“A Hundred Years Ago” explores the dramatic events that evolved through the autumn of 1913 when ordinary workers took a stand with Jim Larkin against the employers of Dublin city and the subsistence wages that held them in slavery. The play is delivered with bawdy and raucous humor that includes both jaunty and haunting ballad songs. The food kitchens, proselytizers and Monto girls all come to life as do families and workers struggling to survive in the slum tenements. Here you will find the Dubliners irreverent wit, chiseled from their ancestors and presented warts and all by the RADE Company in their distinctive style.
Much of the dialogue for this year’s show has been compiled from our creative writing class, which gives the drama a tangible and authentic voice addressing this exciting and conflicting period in Dublin’s history.
RADE’s critically acclaimed show “the last ten years” was nominated for a Spirit of the Fringe and Best Off Site Production at the 2012 Dublin Fringe Festival.

“A Hundred Years Ago”, RADE’s acclaimed play will have a final farewell performance, in Liberty Hall Theatre, on Tuesday 4th March at 7.30pm in aid of Dublin Simon Community – tickets €10/€5(unwaged) from 0818 205 205 www.ctb.ie/myticket

Art and the Lockout

Alan Weldon outlines the scope of the recent unusual Nearfm take on the 1913 Lockout

Cathy Henderson, Centre with Volunteers Elizabeth Brennan (left) and Mary Hunter working on the Bloody Sunday Panel of the 1913 Tapestry

Reinterpreting 1913 is a radio series which looked at the Artistic influence that the lockout has had on a number of different artistic disciplines over the past Century. It aims to explore how historical conflict can give creative inspiration to people involved in the Arts.

In Episode 1

We looked at how the media of the time used photographs and cartoons to portray the events of the lockout in a way that positively reflected the workers’ side of the story.

We heard from members of the RADE project who feature in the exhibition and drama “100 years ago”. They talk us through their artistic responses to the lockout in the form of paintings and sculptures and explain their interpretations.

Musician Enda Reilly performed his version of Yeats “September 1913? and talked us through the process of arranging the poem for song. Click on link below for this and other episodes

http://nearfm.ie/podcast/category/reinterpreting-1913/

(more…)

LARKIN AND MURPHY TO STAR IN JAMESON DUBLIN FILM FESTIVAL

Jed Murray as Jim Larkin in Dublin Fringe Festival

 

THE ASKWITH INQUIRY TO BE SHOWN AS PART OF JAMESON FILM FESTIVAL  

The Inquiry: From the 29th September to the 6th October 1913, in a meeting room in the East Wing of Dublin Castle, the two key protagonists of the lockout, trade unionist Jim Larkin and industrialist William Martin Murphy were cross-examined, delivered evidence and made statements to the Board of Trade Inquiry into the Dublin Industrial Dispute headed by Sir George Askwith. As the British and international media looked on an iconic clash of ideolgies and personalities took place which still resonates today.

For review and booking details go to:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsfilmtv/artsvibe/gems-shine-light-on-history-at-dublin-film-fest-257136.html

Saturday, February 22nd:

SIMON Benefit Production of ‘100 Years Ago’ in Liberty Hall March 4th by RADE

Benefit for Dublin Simon Community

Service Users of RADE take a direct role in supporting the Dublin Simon Community and mark the end of the centenary celebrations of the 1913 Lock Out with a final farewell performance, in Liberty Hall Theatre, of their acclaimed play “A Hundred Years Ago” on Tuesday 4^th March at 7.30pm

“A Hundred Years Ago” explores the dramatic events that evolved through the autumn of 1913 when ordinary workers took a stand with Jim Larkin against the employers of Dublin city and the subsistent wages that held them in slavery.

The play is delivered with bawdy humor that includes both jaunty and haunting ballad songs.

Tickets €10/€5(unwaged) from 0818 205 205 or www.ctb.ie/myticket or contact Síne 01 4548733

RADE engage drug users with the arts and therapeutic supports and provide a platform for their artistic expression.

Síne Lynch

Programme Coordinator

www.rade.ie

“A Hundred Years Ago”, RADE’s acclaimed play will have a final farewell performance, in Liberty Hall Theatre, on Tuesday 4th March at 7.30pm in aid of Dublin Simon Community – tickets €10/€5(unwaged) from 0818 205 205 www.ctb.ie/myticket

Larkin Community College – Remembering Big Jim

Stella McConnon, Jim Larkin’s grand daughter and Tess Carroll, who worked in an umbrella factory he organised, remember  Jim Larkin

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-5Bgk23VHSWc19mZXQ0ZnBocXc/edit?usp=sharing

These four short films were created by students of Larkin Community College during the third year of a three-year partnership project between the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History and Larkin Community College, Dublin 1. Throughout the project, students from Larkin worked with a group of older adults who attend the Lourdes Day Care Centre which is close to the school.

The films are part of a series of 12 created for an online Heritage Trail which links Larkin Community College, the statues on Dublin’s O’Connell Street and the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks. The three-year project has involved puppet-making, storytelling, photography and theatre, in addition to film-making, as ways in which to explore history and heritage.

For more information about this project and to see the other films visit http://www.ouririshheritage.org

Contact Larkin Community College http://www.larkincommunitycollege.ie/