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.

For a Socialist Republic

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.