First Annual James Connolly Summer School promises lively debate

'We need to apply the ideas of James Connolly to the problems and issues of today – both in terms of the capitalist economic crisis and the unfinished business of ending partition'

ORGANISERS of the First Annual James Connolly Summer School have promised lively debate at the event which takes place on Saturday 11 May.

This is the only summer school named in honour of Connolly and commences this year, the centenary of the Great Lockout, with plans to make it a key event in the run-up to the centenary of the 1916 Rising and beyond. 

The main organiser of the summer school, Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha (pictured), has urged people to attend the event which begins at 11am in the Ballybough Community Centre on Ballybough Road in Dublin’s north inner city, between Croke Park and Fairview Park.

“We hope to make this summer school both informative and lively with talks and debates on key issues," Councillor Mac Donncha told An Phoblacht. 

“We need to apply the ideas of James Connolly to the problems and issues of today – both in terms of the capitalist economic crisis and the unfinished business of ending partition.” 

The day kicks off with a history panel at 11.15am:-

• James Connolly’s great grandson, James Connolly Heron, will talk about the fight to save Moore Street;

• Terry Fagan of the North Inner City Folklore Project will cover the 1913 Lockout and the north inner city;

• Biographer Lorcan Collins will talk about Connolly, the Lockout and after;

• Roger Cole of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance will speak about Connolly, Neutrality, War and Peace.

Cathaoirleach will be Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD. 

The current housing crisis is the focus for the next part of the Summer School (12:30pm):-

• Michelle Norris, chairperson of the Housing Finance Agency and lecturer at UCD, will talk about the funding of housing;

• Graham Usher of the Priory Hall Residents Committee will describe their ongoing battle for justice;

• Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh will reflect her experience as a councillor in the midst of a social housing famine;

• Dessie Ellis TD, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, will set out his party’s proposals.

The session will be chaired by Noeleen Reilly. 

‘The Reconquest of Ireland and Future of the Left’ is the theme for the main political debate of the day at 2pm.

Speakers are:-

• Eoin Ó Broin (Sinn Féin);

• Paul Dillon (Campaign for Labour Policies);

• Eoin Ó Murchú (political journalist);

• Siobhán O’Donoghue (Chairperson of National Women’s Council).

Mary Roche will be in the chair. 

Entry to the Summer School is free. Booking is not necessary and all are welcome. 

For full details see James Connolly Summer School on Facebook.