star
04-17-2008, 01:27 PM
McKearney to speak at éirígí commemoration
Former hunger-striker and radical trade union organiser Tommy McKearney is to be
the guest speaker at éirígí's second 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:
"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."
More details to follow.
ENDS.
Note to editor 1: The James Connolly Commemoration on May 10 will be taking the
place on the same weekend as éirígí's second Ard Fheis. For further details
about either event, contact the number provided above.
Note to editor 2: éirígí is an Ireland-wide, socialist republican political
party formed in 2006 to provide a vehicle for the national, social and economic
liberation of the people of Ireland.
Former hunger-striker and radical trade union organiser Tommy McKearney is to be
the guest speaker at éirígí's second 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:
"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."
More details to follow.
ENDS.
Note to editor 1: The James Connolly Commemoration on May 10 will be taking the
place on the same weekend as éirígí's second Ard Fheis. For further details
about either event, contact the number provided above.
Note to editor 2: éirígí is an Ireland-wide, socialist republican political
party formed in 2006 to provide a vehicle for the national, social and economic
liberation of the people of Ireland.