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.
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.
Comments (8 of 8)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8neither Tommy McKearney nor Bernadette Devlin McAliskey are members of this group
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
A section of the crowd
Geraldine Dougan lays wreath
Daithi Mac An Mhaistir
Bernadette McAliskey
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.
"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
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
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.
Eirigi speech was very good,Tommys was spot on and excellent (Maybe someone could post???), well done to all concerned.
Speeches are on youtube
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