Jim Connell

Above legendary miners' leader Arthur Scargill addressing the crowd at this years event.

On May 2nd 2010 I attended the annual Jim Connell Commemoration Parade in Crossakiel.  It was the 12th annual event and my first time to be there and I must say, if the Lord spares me, it won't be my last.

At a meeting in Kilskyre Hall 28th March 1997 a committee was set up with a view to erecting a memorial to the famous son of Kilskyre, Jim Connell, who was born there in 1852.  On 26th April 1998 a monument to Jim Connell was unveiled  in Crossakiel, Co. Meath, Ireland on the spot where he addressed a crowd of 600 in 1918.

Jim Connell wrote the Song " The Red Flag " in 1889 while travelling on a train between Charing Cross and New Cross in London.  It was written first to a tune called " The White Cockade " a lively Jacobite anthem but was later set to the music " Tannenbaum " and old German hymn.  It quickly became the anthem of the International Labour Movement. 
To hear Cllr Dermot Looney singing the Red Flag on the day CLICK HERE

For more songs of Irish Labour CLICK HERE

Pictured above Michael "The Sheriff " Sheils.

Photo by John Doyle.

John Doyle has travelled the length and breath of the country covering occasions and events. He has a great collection of photographs which can be bought from his site. So if you were at a particular event and would like to have some photos why not visit his site he just might have what you're looking for CLICK HERE   

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Congratulations

Congratulations to Willie Hodgins on a wonderful performance at the Boyne Readings where he was featured writer on the night. Willie put his heart in to it as he read from his book "Sunflower" but then that's where his heart is, in his poetry.
Willie was followed by an open mic session which was enjoyed by all. Somebody spilled a pot of coffee, I wonder who?

Pictured on the night L/R: Paddy Duffy, Willie Hodgins. Tommy Murray and guess who?

Just back from a trip to Poland where I managed to dodge the ash cloud.
Glad to see that William (Willie) G Hodgins is the featured writer at the next Boyne Writers' reading event on Thursday 20th May at 8pm in the Village Hall, Knightsbridge Village, Longwood Road, Trim, Co. Meath. Willie is a native of Bohermeen and a  member of the Meath Writers' Circle. He launched his first collection of poetry titled 'Sunflower' in the Navan Library on 23rd April 2009.
To hear Willie reading at the launch of Tommy Murray's book " Counting Stained Glass Windows" which was held in Trim Library on 20th August 2009.
CLICK HERE

In The Back Room

The Small Impact Writers' Group, who are based in Navan Library are holding a fund raising night in aid of the Kayley Dunne Appeal.
The event will take place in The Lantern ( The Back Room ) Watergate St, Navan on the 27th May next.
Local musicians and writers will be providing the entertainment on the night.
Admission at door €5.

Kayley is due to travel to America in October for a life changing operation.
For more information click here