\ 2 1 NOV 1983

FOUNDED 1939 /j * CONTENTS * Organ ®f the CoMotiy AwociatKMi -s kV> 50 Years of the CA P.6-7 OBITUARY

WE regret to have to announce the Desmond Greaves s sudden death of Desmond Greaves. He died while travelling back from Table Talk P.2 a Connolly Association meeting in Glasgow.

Celtic Nations P.2 Desmond Greaves has been editor of the Irish Democrat since 1948. Before that his publications were confined to verse, "T is The Songs P.IO Clock By Day," and such matters as patent specifications and scientific translations. Before he No. 535 SEPTEMBER 1988 50p Donall MacAmhlaigh P.12 "went into" politics Desmond was chief chemist for a large chemical firm. Since becoming editor he has produced a steady stream of articles and pamphlets on Irish affairs and Anglo-Irish relations. - ORGANISE His name is particularly associated with the production of mamma the first civil rights bill which was THIS WAS JOE HILL'S MESSAGE introduced into the House of Lords by Lord Fenner Brockway. This 40 YEARS AN EDITOR - A was before the Civil Rights - IMPLICIT IN THE LIFE AND movement got going in Northern UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENT Ireland. THE cause of Irish independence remember rightly, as a scientist in WORK OF DESMOND GREAVES His best known book was "The and democracy over the centuries South Wales. He regularly came to AS anyone who has read his Greaves felt strongly the most Life and Times of James has been served by individuals in club meetings and took a lively books and articles Desmond favourable institution for Connolly." By patient research many different ways. There have part in discussions. Pat Dooley Greaves had a deep knowledge of advancement to socialism in Desmond made the discovery that been charismatic leaders of was then editor of Irish Freedom Irish history and pre-history. either Britain or Ireland was the James Connolly had been born in constitutional movements who (or, as it became, the Irish Edinburgh, Scotland and not in His books also show a thorough Nation State. He called the left a permanent mark on their Democrat). Desmond had a strong Monaghan, as was previously knowledge of economics and Common Market a new form of country's history, and there have personality and penetrating thought. Through his work on philosophy. In the epilogue to economic feudalism. He scoffed at been famous rebels who died for intellect, and these combined with Connolly, Greaves helped to Ireland Her Own he showed an those "socialists" who thought their beliefs. John Mitchel is his unwavering political popularise the works and ideas of appreciation of the problems they could gain social ownership commemorated as the most commitment, made him a James Connolly. In all his works he facing a small partitioned country of the means of production and eloquent spokesman for Young dominant figure among his peers. did not rely on documents alone but which had been starved of capital distribution through the Ireland, and James Larkin The Marxist philosophy which he sought out the people still alive who by Britain. feudalistic common market. transformed the Dublin trade had acquired as a student gave knew Connolly, Liam Mellowes unions within a year. 0ti hito a shrewd insight into the role In the paperback "The Irish Being a trained scientist and Sean O'Casev. occasions unknown xwbicti Ireland played in world Crisis" Greaves expresses with Greaves did not have much time affair^ It wtrin tJrose war-time great clarity the antagonistic-, for sociology. He believed young His name was also associated figure has emerged Fro'fnr claims to sovereignty^ Ireland. people should acquire a scientific obscurity, because of the special days,4 with the bombs falling with development of the demand for aroudti us, that he developed the The claim of the Irish government education. He was himself a a declaration from the British historical circumstances in which supported by ail political parties biochemist. He encouraged Irish he or she lived, and blazed briefly conviction — which never left him Government that they intended to — thatlreland unfree would never was to rule over the w&le thirty people to get away from the idea work for the unity and and brightly in the political two counties. It was ^however they were only a nation of poets firmament. be at peace, and that it was only independence of Ireland. He impossible to put this rule into and dreamers. He pointed out that advocated that talks with Dublin But there have been other men the combined movement of Irish effect due to the claira'^f British Robert Boyle, a Corkman, laid the should be started to this effect. He and women, no less idealistic or nationalists and socialists imperialism of sovereignty over basis for chemistry. He explained felt it was the duty of the British committed, who because they did working together with the British the six counties which w«s backed Robert Ball's contribution to Government to find ways of not live in revolutionary times, Labour movement which would up by superior armed forces. astronomy and Lord Kelvin's i persuading the Unionists to accept saw their personal role as being eventually win that freedom. He In the "Life and Timesrof James contribution to refridgeration. He the new situation. He expected that of long-term teachers and took his basic ideas from his hero Connolly" Greaves explained that personally knew Desmond Bernal them to use both persuasion and purveyors of ideas. Thinkers as James Connolly, and sought to Connolly decided just before the the scientist from Tipperary. financial inducements. well as propagandists, ideologists adapt those ideas to the 20th century. 1916 Rising that socialism would Bernal wrote the famous "Science as well as mobilisers of public Some colleagues found him only be achieved after a'national in History" which covered this opinion, they too have played a abrasive in argument, and he revolution. He decided 'the two subject from pre-history to significant part on the Irish stage. could provoke antagonism among revolutions would have to be modern times. In some respects, indeed, the those who differed from his views. achieved separately. Before his death Joe Hill told careers of such persons, though However, his dedication, and the C. Desmond Greaves, born his followers "Don't mourn, frequently neglected by the public growing appreciation of the Often Greaves referred to the 1913, editor of the Irish organise." and almost invariably ill- correctness of his opinions, won national struggle for democracy. Democrat since 1948, who The best contribution we can rewarded financially, have him many admirers on both sides He often criticised Labour make to Desmond Greaves's died suddenly while planning provled as heroic as any other of the;Irish Sea. As he grew older, movement leaders for neglecting memory is to carry on and the SOth anniversary of the more popularly recognised he mellowed and became more the struggle for democracy. Too intensify the work he did and was foundation of the Connolly patriot. By their perseverance tolerant of other peoples' often they concentrated entirely doing for fifty years. Association. against repeated setbacks and weaknesses, and his influence on the day-to-day economic struggle their willingness to confront steadily widened. Towards the Hi t extreme odds over decades of end of his life he was accepted as —mm disappointment they have shown the father figure of the Connolly their own special type of courage. Association. Desmond Greaves, whose Among his many other CHANGE IN death has just been announced, activities, he wrote definitive was one of the latter group. After biographies of James Connolly and Uam Mellows and a study of more than fifty years of dedicated SIX of the twelve pages of this special SOth struggle he died in harness, Wolfe Tone. These were widely anniversary issue of the Irtah Democrat fittingly on his way home from an circulated in Ireland, Britain and including the centre spread were sent to the organising tour on behalf of the America, and are still in print. printer by Desmond Greaves, its editor, Connolly Association in Delmond Greaves' most before his sudden death in thejjuffet-car of Scotland. At the age of 74 he was remarkable achievement, a train at Preston when coming back from still there in the forefront of the however, was his editing for more a meeting. The other six pages were put fight, planning, speaking, writing than 40 years without a break of together by Gerard Curran of London, and agitating as vigorously as he the Irish Democrat. With only who has edited occasional issues of the paper over the years while the editor was had been when a young man in limited help from a few devoted on holiday. Because of the rushed and Liverpool before the war. His half friends, invariably lacking money, difficult circumstances arising from century of devotion to the cause and constantly under attack from Desmond Greaves's death, we: trust our he believed in was as noble in its his opponent's, he carried on readers will make allowances for any own way as any other forms of unswervingly. When lssser men inadequacies. sacrifice. He truly could be said to might have oecome disheartened The Connolly Association expresses its have died on active service. and fallen way, he was always particular appreciation to our printers, I first met Desmond Greaves there at the centre of tilings, Messrs Ripley Printers Ltd, Deityshire, optimistic, positive and resdute. and to Mr Reynolds of that Arm. whose towards the end of 1943 when I normal printing schedule was thrown quite arrived as a newly-qualified For a labour journal to survive out of jointly these circumstances. Messrs student from Trinity College, so loqg under the guidance of one Ripley Printers have been printingthe Irish Dublin, seeking work in London, is without parallel in Democrat >d -its predecessor Irish and joined the Connolly Clubs, and Britain, possibly in Freedom, for-virtual the full fifty years v Desmond was then employed, if I e world. FLANN CAMPBELL since the piijjfcs foundation:- r M-fj September 1988 THE IRISH DEMOCRAT Page Three Page Two THE IRISH DEMOCRAT September 1988 London Scam> By DONAL MacCRAITH Useful guide PLUMBING THE DEPTHS ARMY VETERANS YOUTH , ADVICE & HOUSING ARE the Republicans going to stand an attack of acute "electionitis", at order to foster this "democratic" AN estimated 4,000 young Irish the Kilburn Irish Youth Action associations to 'unlock the on now at this moment in time is the peak of their excitement over'their OPPOSE women's hostel with Brent for election to the so-called EEC image. But of course calling a talking- people and their friends from Group, whose voluntary member- housing resources and improve getting less and less.' "Parliament" next year'' Or will they electoral breakthrough in the wake of People's Housing Association. shop a "Parliament" does not make it many lands converged on ship is drawn from local youth housing conditions, which are advocate that they be boycotted, the one whit less a talking shop Ireland the H-block hunger-strike. Since then 'I hope that with the help of 9 Kilburn's Grange Park under i and community workers as well as getting worse in this city and most sensible thing has 18 well-paid members on this they have decided that abstentionism EXTRADITION Brent Council and also from the is a tactic rather than a principle. So it cloudy sky last month to enjoy the young Irish people. The group is particularly in this borough.' outfit — 15 from the 26 Counties, 3 other housing associations you "The most impo/tant thing is to is. And the European elections are just second annual Kilburn Irish chaired by Liz Leicester of Mr Livingstone, who was CAMDEN from the Six - but all they do is to IRISH Army veterans, including August, I will have to reconsider my will be able to get more property ensure the maximum turnout," says Youth Festival — a unique THE Camden Irish Centre is to debate at length and issue reports on the time when this tactic should be people from both sides in the Civil War, membership of the party." Carlton Vale; secretary, Eileen speaking at the Association's Britain's Lord Plumb, the president of example of local Irish community to modernise and help the single everything under the sun, while the advocated and used. have come together in Dublin to oppose Power, Willesden Green; and second annual general meeting in investigate how young people who this outfit whose sole purpose is to put Commandant Lavery said: "I'm not Irish people in this borough.-' EEC Council -• representing the Will they be foolish enough to put the extradition of politically involved 'grass roots' co-operation and treasurer, Eithne O'Flynn, Kilburn Square Community have completed Irish government an appearance of democratic window- a protesting man and I'm not a member Member Governments, on which someone up in the Six Counties next Irish people to the British courts. participation. Harlesden. Centre, called for housing to be run training courses can secure dressing on the EEC Are Republicans of a political party. I wouldn't know 'I was born and bred in Kiiburn, Ireland has 3 votes out of 76 and which June in order to get a probable full recognition from the British and Labour men going to troop to the At a meeting chaired by former Members of the festival put 'back onto the main political so actually you can more or less has the real power - and the EEC trouncing from John Hume, while how to And my way into one. 1 grew up The festival is described by its polls to oblige him, thereby Defence Minister Kevin Boland, they committee included Mary agenda.' If it is not, he warned, 'we call me pro-Irish I suppose to a authorities, with a grant fron a Commission, go on issuing Euro-laws most Republicans supporters will in the Six Counties and I never believed organisers as 'a day of celebration supporting the impression that spoke of strong opposition to Beaman; Brigid Bergin; Sandra will continue to see people Japanese car company! by decree. inevitably and sensibly stay at home? we would now seek to extradite our of being young and Irish in certain extent with the number of "Yurrup" is going democratic? extradition within the Irish Army. people to an illegal, regime." Claxton; Angie Dillon; Steve destroyed by the failure to provide The centre is increasingly When these elections were last held Or even if they might aim to get a London in the midst of the people and the friends that belong Extradition was "a betrayal of all those Dillon; William Ellis; Hilary proper housing.' worried about the high numbers The European "Assembly", as it in 1983 there was puzzlement in some respectable vote, will they spend their pressure of also being an emigrant to the Irish community.' who suffered and died in the cause of Miss Lily O'Neill of Dublin Central of young Irish people who have Republican circles that a party which energy and resources for no local and attempting to settle into a new Garner; Sandra Hayes; Marc 'Innisfree has identified an was termed in the Treaty of Rome, securing ' our complete national Fianna Fail told the meeting: "I've 'That is why 1 think that I continued to boycott Westminster on political benefit, but solely for the Lane-Martin; Martin McGloin; incredible scale of housing need, been trained on expensive courses first decided to call itself a independence", they said in a joint never met anyone in the Fianna Fail community and new way of life.' understand the situation just as principled traditional Republican pleasure of the Lord Plumbs of the John McHugh; Dave Murphy; an area of housing need which has run by government agencies in "Parliament" by its own decision and statement. party who isn't against extradition, but As well as a broad range of much as the BIAS and Innisfree. without any legal basis. Then the lines, could offer to take seats in EEC? Might it not be better for Joan O'Flynn; Mark Reihill; been largely ignored in the past,' Ireland being unable to find work there's a party machine in Mount musical tastes the festival featured Don't give up, try and fight as Single European Act Treaty of last Europe, the headquarters of the new Republicans to set an example to all Commandant Martin McEvo*, a Nikki Reihill, John Tobin; Val he said. 'The housing of the Irish or qualify for more advanced nationalist Ireland, by calling for a Street which totally ignores us." information stalls on welfare, hard as you can, get the property, year formally changed the title to collective imperialism. But the founuir member of Fianna Fail who Wilson. community has tended to be one schemes in Britain. byocott of the whole ludicrous affair? later became superintendent of the Alll further evidence of the moral housing, education and modernise it, and then you will be "Parliament" — quite deliberately in Republicans were then suffering from The Action Group, by that's been dropped off A total of 1RE£75,000 is being guard at Leinster House and who has crisis Mr C. J. Haughey's political U- community activities. There was in a position to offer it not only to providing youth club facilities, everybody's list of priorities for provided by the Toyota car been president of his local Fianna Fail turns has caused among those who Irish dancing, Celtic crafts, and the young single Irish people and research and other activities seeks far too long.' company in Ireland and, when the LETTER BLACKBURN cumann since his retirement, said: "I looked to him for real national children's entertainment couples that come over here.' am now disillusioned with what the leadership, especially in the light of his to respond to the lack of services 'The problem if anything has research has been completed, the Dear I riend, including badge-making and face Dear Editor, present government is doing. If Robert anti-extradition sentiments when in and facilities available for the been magnified in this area for Councillor Mike Magloire, findings will be submitted to the SINCE the introduction of intensive painting. AS you arc no doubt jware there is MEETING Russell is extradited at the end of opposition. increasing influx of young Irish historical reasons. If you actually Chair of the Housing Committee European Commission in the strip searching in Armagh Jail in 1982 The entertainment programme an ever increasing spiral of deathsand coming into the Kilburn area. look at the background and of Brent Council, said that the hope that it will lend its support. serious injuries in the Construction there have been numerous reports in IIIIRTY-TWO people, drawn in included no less than six up-and- income of the Irish community it Council was committed to Fr Denis Cormican, deputy Industry. The figures and facts which a very important aspect has approximately equal numbers from the coming Irish bands now enjoying is in many instances quite encouraging the development of director of the Camden Irish pertaining to this are graphically been allegations of psychological Trade Union movement and the Irish popularity on the folk-rock DE-REGULATION black and ethnic housing Centre, who signed the Toyota highlighted in the recent publication damage. Official response to these community, assembled at the Trades circuit, and a delightful display of dramatically lower than any other THE countdown to the associations which are being sponsorship deal in Dublin, said: of the Health and Safety Executives allegations has been to deny such a Club in Blackburn on Friday, August step dancing by the young pupils communities and groups.' possibility. Nevertheless a report by 19th for the launch of the Central deregulation of public transport BRENT Irish Advisoty Service developed. 'It is one of the most depressing booklet 'Blackspot Construction' It is from Maureen Noonan's School 'Theref ore that Irish the Standing Advisory Commission Lancashire branch of the Connolly in Ireland has started with (BIAS) has moved from its situations we have to face — stated in this booklet that between of Irish Dance in Kilburn. A raffle community is going to be much 'With associations like yours, 1981-1985 739 people were killed in on Human Rights, appointed by the Association. Taoiseach Charles Haughey temporary base in Queen's Park young, ir.iolligent people who saying he's "reasonably disposed" with many prizes was also held. more dependent on public sector they know what discrimination is Construction accidents Northern Ireland Office, contains the The chair was taken by Mr George to purpose-built offices in have no recognition of their admission that they 'received no Da vies, Mr Kneafsey having been to state-owned CIE facing FROM next month the Irish The performers were intro- housing if it is to actually be about, they know what they had These figures are appalling and are Willesden Green. The purpose of skills.' expert evidence on allegations of delayed, and the meeting was addressed competition from private bus Democrat will carry in each issue duced by MC and DJ for the day, adequately housed than many to suffer, and I believe, that they an indictment of the total lack of the move is to provide a better Man\ of these people are forced emotional stress and psychological by Mr Michael Hindley, European operators. some excerpts from the "table-talk" Niall Lacy from Trim, Co Meath other groups in the community.' are perhaps the proper vehicle in concern for the safety of construction service to the public and improved into taking menial jobs with trauma." Assemblyman for Lancashire East, and Legislative proposals to give of the paper's late editor, Desmond who kept the mysic flowing order to give that specialist service workers, by those who own the means 'The problem is that in north- Mr Desmond Greaves of the effect to the plans are likely to be Greaves (1913-1988). working conditions for its staff. extremely poor pay and no of production in the Industry ie. the We now have the agreement of N between acts. Three London- west London for historical to their specialist communities.' Association. A number of prominent presented to the Autumn session Industrial action by staff, who promotion prospects, he adds. Employers. several prestigious psychiatrists to Desmond Greaves was a brilliant ' based bands appeared — Jacket reasons going back over nearly 'The Council is committed to Lancashire Trade Unionists were of the Dail and the, 1932 Road are all members of the Kilburn l r Tom Scully, director of the conduct an inquiry into the conversationalist, continually Potatoes, with their unique brand three generations there is a,much having the best deal for the In order to publicize and highlight present. Transport Act, which regulates all branch $f the transport and Camden Irish Centre, goes psychological effects on those who throwing off interesting comment on of traditional folk music; Lick The Smaller pool of public sector community and we have no these appalling facts and figures in the Mrs Grimsditch was elected bus business, replaced by early General Workers' Union, over further: 'If these youngsters are have been strip searched either once public affairs, history, art, science and Tins (traditional/country/rock); housing available for rent than in hesitation at all in saying the bet Labour Movement and to educate, Secretary and Mr Paul Salveson of 1989. turned down by the British or twice or systematically. human life itself. Many of these arid fat Lady Sings (rock). health and safety, and working agitate and organise building workers Bolton Chairman. About six pounds And plans are afoot at the many of the other parts of deal for the community is to allow The newly formed United remarks, which should be made conditions, at the temporary authorities, they are in danger of on the issue of safety, recently a group worth of literature was sold and the Northern Ireland Office for Three rock bands had travelled London.' local people like Innisfree to Campaign Against Strip Searching permanent interest, have been-noted BICCA premises, was averted drifting into an aimless lifestyle. of concerned Construction Trades collection amounted to £18 which was Ulsterbus to face competition over from Ireland — The Village The underlying changes in the manage housing in this locality.' has undertaken the responsibility of down by a colleague andfriend of his f when the new offices were found. In some cases this can mean Unionists and Labour Movement to be devoted if possible to sending a from private operators in the Six from Waterford; Cast of population in London are Kilburn Ward Councillor Peter lundmg the inquiry; publishing and of thirty years standing and the paper f ending up sleeping rough.' people and groups did get together representative to the London Counties, too. The new address for BIAS is launching its findings and holding a will be glad to publish appropriate Thousands from the north; and to accelerating and magnifying the Pendsay said that what is most and formed the Construction Safety conference on September 3rd. Already the Republic's 296 Willesden Lane, London The IRE£75,OOOisto be granted major public event on the issue in the excerpts which may interest its end the festival, the Dublin-based problem in this area. The important about the Innisfree Campaign (CSC). Our major stated Transport Minister John Wilson NW2 5HW (Telephone 459 8286 to the Camden Irish Centre in five late autumn. Asked what would happen if the Irish readers. A Houe, voted best Irish band last acceleration in house prices has Association as contrasted with objective is 'To work towards an end Government declined to accept a has circulated every Government or 451 5199). The office is open annual instalments of £15,000. Fr to death and serious injury in the We will be seeking sponsorship year in Hot Press magazine and accentuated the problems which others is that most of its work is British offer of the six counties, Mr department with a memorandum It is understood that our late editoi from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 Tom Scully clinched the deal after Construction Industry, private and from bodies such as Amnesty recently on a British tour, associations like this now have to done by voluntary effort. Greaves said the offer should be left on after months of plotting changes has been working for many years on a pm. Advice sessions are on lobbying the Toyota headquarters public sectors. International, the World Health i .There' were almost thirty stands find a way of resolving and 'The dedication with which the the table and Mr Haughey could reflect to the 1932 Act. major work of satirical verse, epical in - Mondays 2 - 5 pm and in West Dublin, near wffi^e he Organisation and other human and at the festival run by Irish and tackling.' management committee and As safety at work in general and upon how to deal with the republicans. And he's likely to look more character. Although this is - Wednesdays 3-7 pm, other times served as a parish priest seve>*J civil rights groups. Other organisations, including s.ifety in the construction industryare He also said the English were not favourably on new applications 'What we have got to do — and voluntary workers work for the I his project will not be possible incomplete, it is intended by hisestate by appointment. years ago. aiso political issues and need to be being asked to withdraw for the sake of for bus licences in the meantime. Kilburn-based bodies such as this association must play a part in association shows that it has a without generous donations from that what he has written will be edited Fr Denis Cormican stresses that built into ones of major political the Irish colleens' bright blue eyes, but The decision — in line with the Action Group for Irish Youth; that — is to put housing back on bright future ahead of it, although organisations concerned with the use and published in due course. the Camden Irish Centre would be concern and importance. in their own interests. They would save completion of the Single Brent Careers Service; Brent Irish the main political agenda. To a its finances are low at th< by the authorities of this practice. We unable to undertake the research their money, protect their lives by European Market by 1992 — will Advisory Service; and Celtic We ask the support of all Labour hope that you will be able to assist us degree it has been marginalised moment.' strengthening world peace, and halt the spell disaster for the Republic's Community Crafts Co-operation. HOUSING without financial backing, and he Movement partys and organisations in completing this investigation which and forced off.' 'The association will have a erosion of their civil liberties that was bus services. It's only 18 months THE Brent-based Innisfree believes that the project will bring lor our campaign, including will hopefully highlight the continued Other organisations included 'As well as the work the very large part to play in the future spreading from the six counties to since C'lE was carved up into Housing Association Limited, 'enormous long-term benefits to sponsorship, and at your discretion use of this measure and help bring it to the Four Provinces Bookshop; association is doing to tackle the and I hope that Innisfree will Britain. Dublin, provincial, rail and which was established just over young people forced into and convenience, support in your an end. Guildford Four Campaign; Irish .immediate problems in this area, continue to expand its role Mr llindley warned the meeting that freight operations, putting paid to three years ago, held its second emigrating to tngland.' papers. Cheques should be made payable to an integrated transport system. Advice Centre, Hammersmith; the association should also sua* to systematically and steadily in the Tony O'Brien the object of the Single European Act IT'S time for identity cards, said the * annual general meeting at Kilburn 'UCASS", marked 'Psychiatric While Fianna Fail haven't yet London Irish Women's Centre; sec what' is can do to tong coming years.' Secretary was to link the EEC with NATO. That London Economist recently. If they1 Square Community Centre. last Investigation' on the back and dared to include Dublin in their London Irish Youth Theatre; together all the other groups who '1 always felt that of all the C onstruction Safety Campaign would be the end of Irish neutrality. have them in continental countries,' week. The meeting was chaired by returned to Patrick Sikorski, c/o The plans — just as the British Tory are prepared to fight to get the isn't it time the British and the Iri^h ' Troops Out; and the Wolfe Tone minorities which came into Brent, Association of London Authorities, Government has left London to Longford-born TGWU member BRENT carried them? Society. decent and adequate housingwe the Irish minority has suffered the 36. Old Queen Street, London, SWI. last in their attack on this and Councillor Colum Moloney, Festival sponsors included need.' worst during the last twenty or Further information on UCASS, country's public transport system They should be computer-readable " a founder member .of the COLLECTED Camden and Brent Councils; The Deputy Mayor of Brent, thirty years. They came here first SHOW invitations for speakers and — the Republic can now look of course, to help the European1* association. affiliations should be directed to the Inner London Education Kilburn Councillor Len Williams and they have been the most ROUNDWOOD park i„ forward to worse services, fewer police-force of the future. The British Guest speaker was Ken same address. WORKS Authority; and Irish businesses recalled how constant requestsfor deprived throughout these Willesden resounded to the chants jobs, lower wages and cuts in state last carried identity cards during the,, Livingstone, MP for Brenl East. Yours'sincerely. transport spending when the new and state companies, including accommodation from hundreds decades.' and drones of the Irish uilleann war and enjoyed consigning them to Other guests included Brent's' DR MAIRE E. O'SHEA, Transport Act becomes law. the bonfire of government controls in Aet Lingus; Allied Irish Bank; of Irish single people had led to Galway-born law graduate and pipes on Sunday, July 14, when OF r Deputy Mayor, Kilburn Cllr Len HB, AR.Psych. Education Minister Mary 1952. Bank of Ireland; Bord Failte (Irish the formation of Innisfree. TGWU member Padraic Kenna, uilleann-pipe rocker Davy Williams, and Deputy Mayoress, O'Rourke has ominously pledged Tourist Board); Foremost •'Innisfree took on a few old secretary of Innisfree, outlined the Spillane, late of Moving Hearts JAMES The Economist thinks up a glib ~ Joy Moses; and Brent Councillors "greater efficiency" on the school Scaffolding; The Mean Fiddler, J. houses which other housing developments achieved by the and now enjoying solo success, point in favour of identity cards to Mike Magloirc, Chairman of the transport system, and CIE trump the civil liberties lobby: "It is. Murphy & Sons; National Club; associations didn't want because association over the last year, came over from Ireland to CONNOLLY subsidiary But Eireann plans to Housing Committee; Peter SUBSCRIPTION COUPON illiberal for liberations to deny its so much work wanted doirig to including the provision of a 25- perform at the Brent Show. cut costs on its fleet for the Pensay '(Kilburn); Richard benefits to those who want one." Of them. But Innisfree welcomed bed teachers' hostel in Wembley. The entertainment also Post to 244/246 GRAYS IN ROAD, WCI available at Department of Education by course they should be voluntary at * people who attended the festival them, and has done the hard work It already manages a six-bed featured the London-based cutting jobs and buying first, says this house-magazine of the Please send me the "IRISH DEMOCRAT" each was that it was, once again a most in modernising them and hostel for older Irid) people as traditional group Dingle Spike secondhand buses from Britain. Transnational Firms. Though it is not month for a year. 1 enclose £5 FOUR PROVINCES enjoyable affair. The whole event adually built up a stock,' well as ten short-life properties. and The Men They Couldn't hard to grasp that cards atfirst carried BOOKSHOP 'In the last few years voluntarily would soon he likely to be was meticulously organised and — v.". -i-i'. "Wi raw . ?«u» the Innisfree is also planning to Hang, a Pogues-sounding band went off very smoothly, due in no open an eight-bed hostel for older made compulsory by governments in LOCAL MP Ken Livingstone housing situation, especially in popular with the London Irish small part to the contribution of Irish people in oonjuction with 244/246 Gray's Inn Road, wider and wider circiinstances — until has urged the Brent-based Brent, has gone from bad to youth. Some local Irish groups Paddington Churches Housing Address LONDON, WCI we end up like countries where it is a the festival stewards: Innisfree Housing Association to . worse and the number ofplaees had stands at tyf Show, which this Association and a six-bed crime even to move outside one's own The Festival was ©rgaised by combine with other housing that Innisfree can get their JiAnds year was a one-day event. house without one. That would be the Paperback £7.50 true prcfigurement of the reality of SEND HI MOW. BEAT THE COMING PRICE RISE. 1992.

A-1 September 1988 September 1988 Page Four THE IRISH DEMOCRAT THE IRISH DEMOrPAT Page Fi ve By Donal Kennedy gHHHBGET YOUR JUBILEE MU HOW YOU CAN SOLVE THE IRISH PROBLEM MOST people in this country Association has urged people in POOR ALBA! want to get out of Ireland, so that the most acceptable measures to the Labour movement and British THE Golden Jubilee Connolly mug I* an open-ended Mmtted edition. HHtain and Ireland can be take for this purpose." The pottery was done by Chit wick Ceramics, run by Sona KaMndJian democrats generally to put permanently friendly and That gives the political escence who came to Britain from Armenia via Cyprus. The artwork was done forward a model resolution in peaceable good neighbours. of the matter, the issue of by Kathy Masterman. their organisations along the principle, and leaves the details to POOR EIRE! The trouble is this is not yet the following lines: Each mug has a golden number which may bring the owner luck. view of organised opinion in the be worked out by the two main The project was organised by West London ConnoMy Association. big political parties who really parties involved, representing the Get your Golden Jubilee Mi/£ trom mr.y ConnoMy Association Branch decide these things. "That the British Government majority of the people of Ireland or from the Four Provinces Bookshop, *44/246 Grays Inn Read, AD sorts of resolutions on should declare its intention of and the majority of the people of POOR ATHENA! London, WC1. Ireland are put down at Labour ceasing to occupy the Six counties Britain respectively. and trade union bodies, looking misnamed Northern Ireland, and If you want to help solve the •POOR ALBA" was the heading 01 becoming but a clearing house for party's leaving the debate to the SNP for a change in policy. But they transfer them to the jurisdiction of Irish problem, propose something Frank Dolan's column in the IRISH those decisions. She wanted Scotland and the Tories. They were reluctant often contradict one another and Dail Eireann, the Irish along these lines in any political or POST recently. He was commenting to by-pass Westminster and go direct "to become involved in a wrangle add to the confusion. Parliament, and should open trade union body you are a on a debate in Westminster initiated to the top table in Europe. "There i^a between two of Scotland's minor BRONTIERRE ORATION That is why the Connolly discussions with the Dublin member of. And if you are not a challenge and an excitement about Government as to what would be member of any, then become one. by the Scottish National Party which parties." Scottish/Labour is full- BRONTIERRE O'BRIEN was born the connection they wish to keep up. lost its motion tor Scottish thinking of Scotland as an bloodedly Unionist, it would seem,— within a few years of the Rebellion of The rest is fudge." independence by 206 votes to 5. independent country within Europe" an improvement on the milk and the United Irishmen and within a In response to a Times article, As it happened 1 was idling a few are the exact words attributed to her. water Castle Socialists in Leinster generation of the French Revolution. attacking O'Connell and arguing that da>s in Scotland in early July and Poor Alba! If Scottish representatives House. We stand here a year short of the Ireland benefited from economic made my onlv acquaintance with the are to go to the "top table" in Europe For me the most interesting 200th year of that attempt to remake advantages of the Union, O'Brien JAMES CONNOLLY excellent daily THE SCOTSMAN on to get their orders direct rather than contribution came from Malcolm the world. asks:— the morning after the debate. It has no relayed from London there is indeed a Rifkind, the Tory Secretary for O'Brien felt that the working class "What benefit to have food taken EXHIBITION away from the mouths of those who more in common with the English challenge about SNP thinking. What Scotland. One reason is that I once in this country had much to learn produce it. and brought to England to THE James Connolly exhibition "heavies" than has the IRISH sort of independence is that? Eamon swallowed the Garrett FitzGerald line from the French republicans. He prepared by Edinburgh Corporation, translated and published Buonarroh's be sold at twice the price which TIMES, for its well informed head De Valera once took Webster's that Ireland's membership of the EEC which was so successful in Liverpool "History of Babeufs Conspiracy for Englishmen would have to pay for and liberal heart are the product of a Dictionary into the Dail to answer the would take her out of England's earlier this year, is being shown in Equality. The "conspirators'" politi- better food from the continent if not distinctive nation. And of course it question whether the Irish State post- shadow and into a self-respecting cal and social policy was to appear in prohibited by corn laws. What London thanks to the initiative of Mr 1938 and pre-1949 was a Republic. covered the debate on the place of that place among the nations. "Only the O'Brien's own writings — the impudence to take exclusive Donal MacCraith in the Borough of nation. Mrs Ewing might summon a Euro- bit; countries such as France, Germany uncompromising nature of their stand advantage of the Irish, who, living in a Brent. land which would maintain three or The debate was opened by Mrs mountain of dictionaries without and Italy determined policy and not the had a great appeal for him. It is due to open on September 5th squaring a journey to Brussels with four times the present population, if Winifred Ewing tor the SNP. She said small countries such as Ireland and "We desire real equality or death and run till October lst, when it may that vital decisions were increasingly Scottish Independence. Greece." Those are Mr Rifkind's properly cultivated, are notwith- . . . The time has come to found the standing dying of starvation and be displayed by other boroughs in being made in Brussels and Labour's Shadow Scottish exact words. Now there's an epitaph Republic of Equals, that great disease induced by poverty — (only) London. Strasbourg and that Westminster was Industry, John Maxton explained his for Irish and Athenian Democracy. guesthouse of mankind* The days of the land owners — the absentee Macl.auyhlin, Alec DigKeS ami Peter O'Connor ofSford restitution have arrived. Weeping aristocracy — not the cultivators Of females taking your seats at the the soil benefit from the system. The common table nature spreads for all main body of the people of both her children." England and Ireland, are deeply He was also deeply influenced by injured, alm6st ruined. the oppression of Ireland — quasy The time of his arrival in Britain at military occupancy, trade and the end of the 1920's was a period of MORGAN'S "CONNOLLY intense^struggle. Catholic Relief had industry discriminated against, absentee landlords, the miserable been passed and opened up the the blindspot for imperialism. The JAMES Connolly, I Political To achieve this they ban elected condition of the poor. possibility of wider political reform. Biography - Austin-Morgan unwillingness to confront the representatives from the airwaves, In his first contributions to the There was discussion of reform Manchester University Press. scriptwriter of the entire political ban similarly, old republican songs, radical press he established the elsewhere and a general demand for drama — British imperialism. introduce an extradition law that no important connection between the civil liberties. Anti-slavery agitation ON January 22nd, 1916. following a British government would oppression of England and that of was under way. There was a slave secret meeting with IRB members Once the author cuts imperialism countenance and of course, in tandem Ireland. rebellion in Jamaica in 1830. Captain Pearse, Plunkett and McDermott, from his scheme of things, he is forced with all this, the likes of Austen "Thus we see the grand segret . . . Swing riots had begun — strikes,, protests, machine breaking and arson. James Connolly "made a decisive to come up with some fairly Morgan revyrite history to'prove' why the hostility of all the monietf interest and higher order^ (as they called The introduction of the Metropolitan break with his past." left wingers and democrats should in I829*was seen as an anti-workiiijM breathtaking intellectual choreo- drop^fieir illusions about Ireland's themselves) to the^fepealrhot from a This supposed break is at the heart graphy to explain the fight for the desire to preserve the connection class Act. The king and the Duke of past and seek solutions elsewhere. Wellington were attacked and there of Austen Morgan's book. Connolly, control of Ireland waged by the Irish between the countries; which is in no was much anti-police rioting. Abroad he sn\s. grew up and liveil .is a people. This is how Morgan's politics must danger from the masses, but from a desire to preserve closer connection, . the Belgians were in revolt against the Socialist internationalist. I hen be understood. The literary and suddenly, he changed and became an The Land League, for example, he which is much nearer their hearts; Dutch. Poles against Russians. Ine historical wing of the Northern Bourbons tried to abdicate in France Irish nationalist. sums up as "opposed to British namely the connection which ever Ireland Office. sparking off radical ferment at FATHER MICHAEL Q'FLANAGAN, Vice-President of Sinn Fein in 1917, landlordism, but not to Catholic subsists between exclusive representa- ' But this is not all that Morg.in linds meetings across London. agreed to become an honorary member of the Connelly Association soon after the property." tion and exclusive enjoyment of organisation's foundation in 1938. ' amiss with Connolly, nor all that he wealth and power; in short, between O'Brien was an early champion of the fingers of the borough mongers Chartism. He argued that Chartist "You are doing the work of the humble Nazarene," he said to the workers in finds amiss with Irish nationalism. To describe it as an organisation the London office of what was then the Connolly Club, when he paidita visit during [ and the pockets of the people. This is supporters should attend election l ighting for the right of Irish people to the campaign they ran to secure the release of Frank Ryan from a Spanish fascist I In this book a number of hidden • meetings and elect their own own the land would have begged the prison after the end of the Civil War. assumptions are made which colour - candidates — something like 400 question — why did they have to fight Father O'Flanagan was a famous Republican priest. He read the prayers at everything which comes tigder democrats could be elected he argued. in the first place. He became identified with "physical the opening of the first Dail Eireann. A Gaelic scholar, a great orator and Morgan's scrutiny. These assump- force" as opposed to "Moral Forpe" champion over many years of the small farming stock from which he sprang, he tions. culled bv reading between the There is much of this scurrilous Chartists. Throughout this period he supported the popular and radical cause all his life and was a forerunner of the lines are as follows. Catholicism is clergy el today who seek to identify with the material as well as the spiritual needs twisting of the truth: After the wrote for O'Connor's "Northern at the common neanl*. always reactionary; Irish nationalism Napoleonic wars, we are informed Star" , boosting its circulation and THIS is an historic photograph of glasses in the middle and Packie is an expression of Catholicism. blandly, "Ireland could no longer paradoxically increasing O'Connor's 'O'Regan of Cork. I took the bull by people present at the dinner given by Earley from Leitrim. i Morgan poses the question at the support her population." An own reputation. These articles Were a the Connolly Association in London the horns and went to visit the Prison systematic attempt to formulate a It was Eoin "The Pope" O'Mahony beginning of the book — how can a elementary understanding of Irish in 1948, for tbe last of the Republican Commissioners fall, horse-faced, programme for Chartism. who started the campaign to obtain man who live as a Socialist die as a history shows that Ireland's economy prisoners to be released ftora retired policemen, at least in November 1839 was a high point IR1SH women in Brent, especially the release of the prisoners. He asked nationalist. By the time you get to the was not geared to supporting her own in the hope of gaining an Dartmoor and Parkhurst where they appearance and manner, they could for chartist agitation. Searching for a those who are unemployed or in the CA to assist. Information was end of the book and come to grips people, but tbe people of somewhere image of respectability? had been imprisoned for the IRA not understand why a 'respectable way to p^i t pressure on a part time employment, are invited smuggled to the Irish Democrat that with Morgan's contempt for political else. And what a comparison with bombings in 1939. citizen' should want to visit 'those contemptuous government the to take up a "Fresh Start" course Collins and McCabe, who went by the concepts like sovereignty and chartists considered a general strike, a the Brent Multi-Racial Carnival, thugs'. Like so many of the apostles of the at the Harlesden Centre in names "Rory O'Connor"and "Conor independence, the relevance of such a series of armed uprisings and the held at the same venue a week "I let them say what they wished. prophet Cruise O'Brien the object of •ferretts Green Road NW10. Sittingat the table in the middle are MacNessa". had been put in the question for Morgan becomes clear. petitioning of Parliament — or even earlier, with considerable Irish • As the prison, Leo Duignan of Co this book is to strip the Irish left of The course aims to get women Messrs Collins and McCabe, the last punishment cells in Parkhurst for an What Morgan feels needs all three. input. Lcitrim risked a charge of mutiny to Connolly's powerful legacy, so that Throughout this period O'Brien into well paid rewarding work or two prisoners to be released. On the attempted escape. Desmond Greaves explanation is: How did a man who The theme of that event was tell me the story was a true one. I Irish republicanism can be seen for was recognised as the'primary orator prepare them for further right is Paddy Clancy, general tells the story in his pamphlet, lived as a Socialist, die as a Catholic "Freedom for Nelson Mandela," admired his courage. When a day or what the prophet mistook it to be — of the movement. He was described a vocational education. The courses secretary of the CA at the time. On ftp "Reminiscences of the Connolly reationary. I his is how Morgan the 70-year-old jailed ANC leader two later the paper came out there was militant popery — and Irish "The schoolmaster of th start this month (September) and right of the-middle row are Desmond Associatton":-r- perceives Irish politics and this is the and anti-apartheid campaigner. a furore. MacNessa. whose real name Partitionist Socialists can get on with Movement." An observer wrote:— will run over three or four days a Greaves and Elsie Timbey " As 1 hesitated to publish the story lens that distorts his picture of the The attendance of all ages and was Collins, told me afterwards that a what the prophet declared their task "It would be unjust to represent the week from 10 am to 3 pm. (O'Dowling). At the back row on the without verification, I decided to visit truth. leaders of the new political crusade a: races were proud to declare their Home Office official went down to to be, propping up a government in For mote information contact left are Fred O'Shea and Flam the prison myself. But the only Had Morgan declared Ins politics mere violent demagogues whose sole support for this great manandhis Parkburst and insisted that they be the South, Kate Clare at the Harlesden Campbell, with Pat Dooley, with prisoner 1 knew personally was Jim clearly in the book then it may well ' aim was disturbance. Amongst their comrades in South Africa's jails. returned to the normal cells. It Centre on 961 2%2 or 961 3060. have been a lively read at the least. As it were able writers and great orator* Mr Troy (not Tory, he says) couldn't happen; today. They'd clap like Brontierre O'Brien who would the visitor in the cells along with the is, it swings from haughty academia to FEARGUS O'CONNOR said that the takings from the Irish SUSTENTATION sway large crowds with impassioned Festival came to £51,430 and that coovictf petty nitpicking. oratory as the corn swayed by the If the book leaves one strong Autumn wind." these were not a 1 pieces of siber. secured the support of the impression then it must surely be that COMMEMORATION O'Brien led an enormously active Mr Troy said w^t it had been.; Trades Council for the of the rest of the revisionist texts — FUND On August 28th, 1955, the old "credible and comwttdaWe v and hebt a great meeting at AT, the end of August, the life, involved in every aspect of the Isn't is amazing how some Irish OUR thanks to: J. Gibson £5, M. McC £5, Nottingham branch held a emerging socialist movement. It ' performance all round" Try the Hoi born MM which tbe High Nottingham Branch commemorated people with their slave mentality W. Burke £30, A. Barran £3.40, K. Doody Feargus O'Connor as the former commemoration ceremony during finally broke his heart and •VI telling tharto the Birmingham Six Ianty, attended. U j«4 are prepared to abandon their £1, V. Deegan £5, G. Curran 70p, L. Nottingham branch did in the 1950's. which a wreath was laid at the foot of impoverished him. and the Guildford Four. g otbersby Jim Wrixon £6.80. S. Redmond £1.40, M. He is part of all our histories and A statue of O'Connor, who the statue by Mr Charlesworth, the Larfcrn, Desmond Donnelly, Eoin Whan 65p, R. Muileach £ 1.62, R. Smith £6, then Secretary of the. Hosiery the fact that we can stand and "%ie actnr Limn S. Hcaly £12.50. J. Watson £5, K.M. £5, was popularly knpwn as "The commemorate O'Brien without — at Finishers' Association and President Dooley was i Anon £ 1. 15, W. Ronksley £ 10, P. Silver £5, Lion of Freedom*, and was the moment — fear of arrest is a C C £5, supporters in Central London the only Chartist .to enter of Nottingham YTradesCouncil. This testimony to what we owe to socialists !.CC 75p, in South London £15.35. Total: Parliament, stands in Notting- event was recorded in the September like O'Brien. - •//••WiWmM'. end" of the year - and we lteta a 1126.32. ham's Arboretum. 1955 Democrat. celebration ia the Restaurant in Hofborn." Page Six THE IRISH DEMOCRAT September 1988 YEARS WHEN on a grey January socialism, others his republic- THE STORY OF THE CONNOLLY ASSOCIATION was the only Irish working-class republicans and sees this as the day in 1935 half a dozen anism. It took well over a decade and radical paper in existence. crucial insight of Connolly's Irishmen turned into a for these theoretical issues to be In recent years the CA has been socialist republicanism. properly thrashed out. The basement flat in Kilburn, BY the first body in Britain to approach of the contemporary organise a lecture series on the North-West London, they Connolly Association was The Irish Democrat most have ANTHONY COUGHLAN question of Irish women today, been one of the first papers to little knew the significance of embodied in its present as well as the first to call a Constitution adopted at the 1955 to get the release of over 200 It was the (Association which realise the significance of the what they were starting. They The Connolly Association is conference on the subject of the proposal to join the Common were members of the editorial annual conference in Birming- republican internees in Crumlin first proposed the idea of a Bill at once part of the Irish national pollution and militarization of ham. The CA exists to defend the Road, some of whom had been in of Rights by means of which Market. It opposed that step on Board of "Irish Front", a movement and of the British the Irish Sea. It has been the first democratic grounds from 1961. interests of the Irish in Britain prison for years without charge London could legislate civil Labour Movement. As an body in Britain to provide small weekly bulletin of the and to campaign for the or trial. The CA found that many rights reforms over the head of It has pointed out that modern organisation it has had a systematic education of the Irish Transnational Capital and High London branch of the Irish establishment of a united of the internees were members of the Stormont regime, thus remarkable record of "firsts". It and their children in the facts of Republican Congress, which independent Irish Republic. The British trade unions. It was a adding to ,the division and Finance find the democratic was the first Irish body to set out Irish history. The "Irish constraints of the Nation State had been founded in Dublin means proposed for this end are good angle with which to urge confusion of Unionism. For a deliberately to win the Labour Democrat" book centre was not organisation and the exercise of their fellow-unionists in Britain time this became die demand of increasingly irksome. They seek the year before by Peadar movement to the cause of Irish the first Irish bookshop in to construct structures like the influence in the British Labour to do something about it. It the mainstream Civil Rights independence. Now many others Britain, but it has lasted longer O'Donnell, Sean Murray, movement. organised telegrams of protest Movement in the North. It also EEC instead, which free them recognise the crucial importance and for over 20 years now from the democratic social George Gilmore and Frank In the war-years the CA was to Unionist Premier Brooke- became the policy of the British of this work, despite the obvious has given a continuous cultural Ryan. The editor of "Irish borough signed by dozens of TUC. On May 12,1971, a bill controls that have been the Only political organisation difficulties of the political service to the Irish community. developed at national level. The Front" was the poet Charlie among the Irish in Britain. It British MPs and other which had been drafted by terrain in Britain. The CA notabilities. In 1961 and 1962 1985 conference organised by Donnelly, who was later supported the struggle against Desmond Greaves, Arthur pioneered the idea of civil rights CONTRIBUTION the CA organised marches from Latham MP and Fenner the Irish Democrat on the theme killed fighting fascism in Fascism, while strongly as the way to shatter Ulster Perhaps in the long run it is of "The defence of the Nation defending the right of the Irish London to Birmingham, from Brockway was introduced Unionism. It was the first Spain. It was duplicated in Liverpool to Wakefield and from the Association's contribution to State" showed the continuing people to remain neutral. It was simultaneously in the House of organisation to call a special political ideas which will be seen the Grays Inn Road office of Liverpool to London to spread Commons and House of Lords. relevance of democracy and busy with the countless welfare conference to discuss how to as most important. Its work and the message of Unionism's The Tories ynt on a three-line the national question not only the League Against problems of the Irish immigrants persuade the wave of post-war that of the editor of its paper has for Ireland but for the whole of Imperialism by the famous then flooding into Britain's iniquities, lliese were in fact the whip to defeat it. In retrospect it Irish immigrants in Britain to first marches for Northern is a tragedy it was not adopted. been mainly responsible for the Western Europe in the period of MR ANTHONY COUGHLAN left-wing activist„ Reginald wartime industries and join their appropriate trade growth of interest in James history now dominated by the Ireland civil rights, though they The Tories went instead for unions as their best means of construction projects or affected Connolly in recent decades. The Common Market. Bridgeman. by conscription and wartime took place in Britain and were "direct rulfi". Many in the social self-defence in their new (Introducing his Connolly Association history). relation of democracy and controls. Pat Dooley was the greeted by derision or apathy Labour Party, who should have country of residence. MR ROBERT ROSSITER On the demise of the Congress editor of the paper. Flann rather than by brickbats. known better, followed them. socialism is fundamental for the The influence of the to retreat. The raising of my brothers and in 1937 the London group kept myself doubtless claimed his time and energy Comperes the Jubilee Celebration Campbell succeeded him as NORTHERN Prime Minister Twenty years of "direct rule" ORGANISATION thought and practice of the Association's work and ideas has Irish Front going as "an organ of The CA is the only Irish modern Labour and progressive LETTER and the rights or wrongs of a language war editor after the war. Then came Terence O'Neill wrote to CA later show how right the spread far and wide. There is no would have had low priority I wonder in that republican opinion". It was one RECEIVING this morning my August Desmond Greaves, who has been general secretary Sean Association then was. organisation to publish a movement. The CA has upheld doubt but that it will continue to connection, if I'm justified in taking Donall of them, Michael Maclnerney— Democrat, I turned by sports-minded habit, editor since January 1948. Redmond seeking to defend his political paper for over half a the view that Irish people who be felt wherever in the future MacAmhlaigh to be a single man. with the who worked for the "Irish century. For part of that time not to mention a pleasurable anticipation of single man's luxury of self-indulgence? LET THOSE PRISONERS OUT Government's position. But the are socialists should strive to be Irish people gather to work for a Donall MacAmhlaigh, to its back page. In the late 40s and early 50s r-, We were brought up. anyway, in an Times" in Dublin two decades anti-Unionist message was indeed, the "Irish Democrat" the best and most consistent worthwhile political cause. later — who sent out invitations the Cold War was at its height. Mark Clinton sold the "Irish I look forward to a chuckle or a tear from atmosphere of un-belhgerent Irish getting through. The CA sent Donall. depending on his mood. He's a nationalism. There was pride and love for our in July 1938 to the foundation Everyone expected World War 3 Democrat*' around the SAYS CELTIC LEAGUE speakers to countless trade Birmingham pubs the weekend character, no doubt about it. motherland without corresponding bitterness meeting of the Connolly Club, to break out any minute. The toward the English, least of all to their A CELTIC Political Prisoners qualification for passing thi union and Labour Party following'the bombs of Lately though. I must confess he's been litis took place at the Engineers Anti-Partition League was CONNOLLY v EUROPEAN UNION getting up the Nolan nose a bit by his harping marvellously expressive language We knew Support Organisation is to be Matriculation Examination of the gatherings. The NCCL and Irish history, songs and literature but we didn't Hall, 39 Doughty Street, on sponsored by the Nationalists in November 1974. "You could cut struggle, experienced in bitter life preoccupation with the mysticism of the Irish National University of Ireland. MCF, in response to the language and the alleged superiority of us know the language because my parents - God established by the Celtic League to Sunday September 4th. Roddy the Six Counties and by the Dail the tension in the air with a JAMES CONNOLLY oppos- and death campaigns, led him to a investigate the circumstances and HISTORIAN and novelist (and Parties in Leinster House. Some Association's urgings, also took knife", he said. In this difficult speakers. 'Having the Irish' seems to possess rest them - were too bloody busy surviving to Connolly, James Connolly's ing the drive to European By crystal clear understanding that the same snob value, for Donall. as an Old cope with such romantic fancy. situations of persons jailed for 'Irish Democrat' columnist), Peter of its leaders in Britain thought up the anti-Unionist cause. It time for the Irish community the son, agreed to become President. Union is not such a far fetched the class struggle consists of two Etonian accented drawl has in certain English I leave for Ireland tomorrow - with a political activities in the Celtic • Berresford Ellis, was elected as was a result of a Connolly Association kept the flag flying parts which should not be quarters. Branches of the Club soon that Irish unity could be won in notion as it first appears. JOHN BOYD proudly English friend - to once again refresh areas under the administration of international chairman of the Celtic exchange for joining NATO; The Association deputation to the while several less experienced separated. Connolly learnt, then His latest piece about O Maoiliosa followed in Liverpool, Connolly is obviously j jnot past wielded some degree of power my roots. I'm resigned to the reality that, due the Governments of the United League for the ensuing year. He CA stood aloof from the APL leaders of the Belfast Trades Irish organisations went out of rner decision making. This era of taught and fought for the principle MacGiolla Chumhail (reason enough to learn to my Cockney voice. I'll be received kindly Birmingham and Manchester. around himself to to anything English, surely to God)' was entertaining Kingdom and Frartce. expressed the hope that the year and opposed its pro-NATO line. Council that the Civil Rights existence. The paper held from consensus is now over as Britain that the class struggle is the but with that subconscious wariness toward Eamon Martin, the republican struggle for socialism and national enough though I got the uncomfirtable feeing ' foreigners ', particularly from England This was approved at the 27th would be one of consolidation and This was a time when anything issues were first raised in the Six the first that the Birmingham- about the Community, but his faces its own national question. In that its subject often stayed just the safe side of friend of Liam Mellows, gave independence. He was a much That's my minor tragedy, of course, because annual general meeting of the Celtic expansion in membership and Counties at a conference on May Six case was a frame-up. The CA ideas are. These are to be found Ireland boycotting elections and being an unbearable pain in the arse. £15 to help bring out a monthly remotely progressive was liable maligned internationalist I've always considered myself Irish It's a resources to enable the League to 8th 1965. There was a decade of in print in two volumes which elected candidates not taking their Now, my mum and dad were born under League held in July on the Isle of paper, "Irish Freedom", which to be attacked as "commun- opposed the Prevention of incorrectly accused of being a trivial problem. 1 agree, but if Donall work more effectively in pursuit of this kind of preparation of public seats have been put to good use to English dominion in County Westmeath and MacAmhlaigh had his way, Td be confronted Man. appeared in January 1939. The istic". In Ireland "The Terrorism Act and has will make available much of nationalist. Internationalists stand spoke little or no Irish, since the language was THE Celtic l eague is also its aims. Standard" went to town on the opinion in Britain before the continually lobbied against it draw attention to the farce of also with a foreign tongue, with which to famous Republican priest, Connolly's work together after democracy and subjugation of the for the independence of nations to enthusiastically discouraged at the time. grapple That would be doubly ironic because The League has active branches events of 1968 and 1969 forced Possibly they should have martyred themselves pressing the Irish Government to Father Michael O'Flanagan, Association with hysterical ever since, along with other many years. Volume one is nation to another. We in Britain conduct their own affairs. the Irish, themselves, have for ages enriched use all the means in its power to seek in all six Celtic countries (Ireland, warnings about the dangers it the conditions of the organisations of the Irish Nationalists normally stand for the for their birthright but they neglected to do so "the English", unquestionably one of the most visited the office and told the available now with the other can learn from such tactics. because they were hardly aware they had one. the release of the 'Birmingham Six' Scotland, Isle of Mann, Wales, could expose Irish immigrants to Government's Irish political community. It pioneered the call superiority of their particular lyrical languages known to the world. members they were "carrying on due soon. At £7.50 the Connolly's leading role in the I was bom in Balham, then an Irish ghetto - whether through the European Cornwall and Brittany) as well as when they came to Godless slum on the attention of the for a British declaration of strategy, tactics and methods of Do me a favour Donall. Leave it out! the work of the humble publishers, New Books of (Continued on Page Ten) where dad was forced, by the usual economics. Kevin Nolai Courts, an Amnesty campaign, or branches covering England England. In the Dail, nonetheless, world. intent to withdraw from Ireland. Nazarene". In 1944 the Dublin, have kept the price by the pressure of public opinion. (London) and America (New York). De Valera resisted the Connolly Club became die modest to suit all pockets to The Celtic League has also There is an Internationa! branch incitement of Fine Gael's BELOW LEFT: Flann Campbell BELOW RIGHT: Mary Campbell Connolly Association. The paper make this work of a proletarian reaffirmed its commitment to and this year a branch in the Cape became the "Irish Democrat" James Dillon that he launch an giant available as widely as monitoring military activity in the Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, the year following. attack on the Association. just before he rejoined the CA, married Flann 1947. Both still Celtic countries under the Gaelic-speaking area, becomes possible. The first members came from The standing of the CA in the administration of France and the operative. The League's journal, a 1943. members. diverse political backgrounds. Irish community in those Connolly's writing is not just for UK. quarterly CARN, is published Irish consumption or only about The general conception was difficult times was upheld by its There were several resolutions regularly. the Irish question. It is about a Republican/Labour unity. The campaign on behalf of the IRA affecting Ireland this year, Further struggle for national independence information can be republican element came from prisoners. These had spent the including resolutions dealing with obtained within these islands and the role from the League's the London Branch of the war years in Dartmoor and the campaign to remove Irish as a Director of Information, Seamus 6 labour has played in that inter- Congress, the Labour element Parkhurst following the IRA's nationalist struggle. His required subject from the Leaving Coiledin, G42 Du Cane Court, from the Irish section of the 1939 bombing campaign in perception and analysis is very Certificate curriculum and as a London SW17 7JR, England. League Against Imperialism. Britain. The CA worked with clear, and those living in Britain Some of the older members had Eoin "the Pope" O'Mahoney would gain much from reading this been involved in the Irish Self- and others to secure this. material which includes 'Labour in Determination League which De Irish History' and 'Socialism and CIVIL RIGHTS Nationalism.' Valera had founded in 1919 as a For instance, the subjugation of support-group in Britain for the In the mid-1950s the CA Ireland to England for 800 years is independence struggle at home. pioneered the idea of civil rights now paralleled by Britain's The Club's Constitution set out as a weapon with which to divide membership of the European the aims of "working for the Ulster Unionism, break its hold Community. Powers over Ireland were to be found in Whitehall. complete freedom of the Irish on Northern politics and open up people and to provide a social Powers over Britain are now the way to achieving a united increasingly to be found in and cultural centre for those Ireland by peaceful means. In willing to propagate the Brussels. England made provision 1958 it financed the sending of for Ireland to send MPs to teachings of James Connolly." English lawyer John Hostettler Westminster where they were in a to cover the trial of Mallon and perpetual minority with no IN BRITAIN Talbot, who has been wrongfully powers. Today Britain is going to But how could Irish people accused of murdering a find itself in a position where it will living in Britain work for Irish policeman. Hostettler's report- have the 'right' directly to elect MEPs to Strasbourg in the name of freed om? Moreover "the back meetings and his democracy. In reality they will be teachings of Connolly" description of what the CONNOLLY JUBILEE MUG in a perpetual minority with no encompassed both republic- Unionists were able to do under powers. In this situation lessons anism and socialism. In the their Special Powers Act made a Who are these pretty youngsters brandishing the Connolly can be learnt from the Irish course of his life Connolly's big impression in British Labour Association Golden Jubilee mug? They are the Misses Carroll, experience which is new to Britain, views had evolved considerably and Trade Union circles. They daughters of Cavan-born Jimmy Carroll, a Democrat reader. especially those of us wHo are English. in relation to both. Which of his generally had no idea at the time The mug has the picture of James Connolly on one side. It has teachings were relevant to Irish what was going on in the Irish part of Her Majesty's been produced in limited edition. Each specimen is numbered THE IDEA of boycotting immigrants? There was room for elections is * anathema to the disagreement here. Some Dominions. and is available price £2.50 at the Four Provinoes Bookshop or majority in Britain because those (Members for thirty years) wanted to emphasise Connolly's There followed the campaign through Connolly Association branches. Ring 01-833-3022. democratically elected have in the liigil tifj.j.T Page Eight THE IRISH DEMOCRAT September 1988 TAmOM30 wasflt 3HT September 1988 THE IRISH DEMOCRAT Page Nine Anonn Is Anall By Peter Berresford EHs THE FUTURE OF THE THE MANX IN REBELLION .BY THE Ctltic nations, I mean Ireland, MOST readers may recall the Movement, that it is not policy to and fields is not the panacea to our it is a sister language to Irish) is universally affronted at this slight Scotland, Mann (Isle of Man), Brittany, ,'BV publications in Cornish and about it than is neus in July of eight young launch any attack on the soil of problems ' like a red rag to a bull. to their national symbol, worn by Wain and Cornwall. In speculating about * the case for Manx. But then the population Irishmen being arrested under the Ireland's sister Celtic countries. However, the Manx authorities He once made a speech against everyone on Tynwald Day. At the of Cornwall is bigger than the Manx one. Pre\ention of Terrorism Act on Where had the misinformation were worried. The Independent its use in schools which was request of some senior members BRIAN STOWELL The remaining Celtic nation, Brittany, the Isle of Man. While the island is come from'.' had also pointed out that the reminiscent of the propaganda of of the Manx Government, the Lt - Uft of their Celtic culture - their has great vigour and passionate attachment not part of the United Kingdom, The answer seems to be that the protest is the most active the old 'Language Freedom Governor, Major-General languages, literature, music, Customs ami soactivity as weU as having crucial television to its traditions. Some Bretons still daim there are a million Breton speaker*, but this la us can he enacted here through exercise was staged to intimidate campaign and the first to involve Movement' of the 1960s . .. iethat on. Obviously, questions of politics, broadcasting time. Even here, though, the Lawrence New, had to go on economics and social issues and so on is doubtful. The decline of ike language the Lieutenant-Governor, he Isle of Man's own 'physical civil disobedience since the Fo Gaelic in schools is a preventative Manx Radio to announce that he language is receding and a determined battle interweave with the cultural issues here. is needed to save it. There have been continutes in spite of a slight lessening of the representing the British Crown, orce' movement. Halloo movement in the early to 'civilised' education and would be wearing the Bollan Ban< hysterical hostility of Paris towards Breton. b\ Orders in Council, without 1970s.' proposals for a sort of last-ditch stand in a Let me explain. hinders children in other school 'as a traditional Manx addrnment The policy of ruthless cultural Welsh speaking enclave In the north of the Of ail the Celts, the Bretons have been the reference to the House of Keys, There has been an upswing in subjects! with clearly discernible Christian assimilation of the Celts by the English and most attached to inter-Celtic cooperation. The Manx authorities still country, hot this does not seem very the elected parliament. Such a law the number of international banks heritage.' French has largely been success/id. What Without having detailed knowledge of the shudder at the memory of Fo As a side-show to the practicable, like other Celtic countries, is the PTA. and businesses moving into the The Bollan Bane 'war' ended many people do not realise is that in Wales suffers greatly from other people Breton situation, I get the impression that Halloo (Underground) which '1RA/FSFO' pantomime, Messrs I was staying on the island at the Island, taking advantage of the with everyone, including the relatively recent times there were millions of (mainly English) moving into Wales or frompolitical activity m the separatist front has became active in 1973 when a Anderson and Oake announced people who spoke Celtic languages and time and could scarce credit the Manx low tax rates and rebellious Messrs Oake and foreigners buying second homes in Wales. As declined in recent years. Much activity goes similar boom caused a large influx that they would not wear the nothing else. The cultural identity and, to a into music festivals and Celtic conventions. distortions served up in the advantageous company laws. Anderson, wearing it at the with Scotland and Cornwall, some degree of of'new residents' seeking tax-exile traditional sprig of Boilan Bane large extent, the self respect of these people autonomy might bring restrictions on the There is much sympathy for the Irish cause hnglish National Press with what Financial concerns are realising Tynwald ceremony. from England. In a campaign of (mugwort) on Tynwald Day. The and their descendants was brutally removed.present free-for-all, but such developments among the Bretons. actually took place. that the Isle of Man is financially sign daubing and producing a 'Born Again' President and Chief But more significent were the The terrible scars of this deprivation are still seem far off at present. In writing about the Celtic nations, lam I he 'dawn raid' b> the Island's and fiscally independent from the clearly seen in the Celtic countries today, regular news-sheet on the Constable claimed Boilan Bane 'FSFO' badges worn on Tynwald conscious of the differences between 'elite anti-terrorist squad.' as United Kingdom with its own manifesting themselves as a general lack of financial involvement of key had pagan links and was not a Day along with the Bollan Bane. Welsh political nationalism seems to be at But anyone living or travelling in described in the front page lead laws on companies, trusts, confidence and a colonised mentality. a low ebb at present. It might have been countries will soon be aware of members of the Island's Christian symbol. The equivalent The badges proved one of the ofi>ie Daily Mail (Saturday, July banking, insurance, investment significant that there was not a majority in common features: a passionate belief in the administration in the housing and would be a refusal to wear a sprig most popular items on sale on Since I became aware of the secret world 2). was, in fact, two local management and ship-owning. It of shamrock on St Patrick's Day July 5. favour of devolution in Wales in the worth of individual expression, a healthy industrial boom, Fo Halloo of the Celtic identity, I have always referendum some years ago. It is difficult to uniformed policemen and a has a simple tax system, with because it was 'heathen.' Indeed, the badges attracted a distrust of allforms of authority caused much discomfiture and regarded the Irish struggle as crucial to the see how progress can be made without policewoman — all unarmed. income tax at a standard rate of 20 for the spoken and written word. Features exasperation. Only two people Mrs Hazel Hannan, a Member more than passing interest from Celtic world. Historically, because of its devolution of power from London to Wales - which will ensure the survival of the Celts in I hoy arrived at 6.50 am (dawn p.c. and no other direct taxes. A relative isolation, Ireland preserved, many were ever charged with offences of the House of Keys (MHK) for grim-laced men looking like and Scotland, Cornwall and the English an age of attempted computer control was officially at 4 19 am that day) range of tax exemptions are features of Celtic culture which were lost connected with Fo Halloo. Peel, former secretary of Mec refugees out of a Hollywood spy ' 'regions " as Londoners persist in calling the tinkering with genetic engineering. at Mrs Dolly Chambers 15 available for -international Vannin, who, incidentally, movie. As the Manx Independent elsewhere. Also, it is in Ireland that the various parts of England. Presumably we rf bedroom guest house in One high spot of the campaign insisted on taking her oath in observed: 'Heavy men with heavy opposition to conquest has been (and will have to wait for south-east England to operations. remains) the fiercest. Approcah Road. Ramsey, and was in July. 1973, when, during cameras kept appearing from choke itself to death. Obviously the loss of As a financial centre, it provides Gaelic when elected, announced arrested s i \ young Irish the Tynwald ceremony, members behind stalls and barriers to take English sovereignty to Brussels will have an a legal and fiscal infrastructure that she would boycott the Although it is fashionable to deride the construction workers. Two more of I o Halloo erected a fiery cross photographs of those selling and efforts to revive the Irish language, a lot has effect also. For the forseeable future, it which is superior to that of most proceedings as a protest to this young men were sei/ed soon alter — the traditional Celtic 'Crosh affront to the Manx nation. wearing the badges, in particular been achieved. Many thousands of people seems that Welsh language and culture other Luropean jurisdictions. represent the main battleground. at another Ramsey lodging house Vushtyr' (which called the clans to Another MHK. David Cretney, the people doing displays of Manx have a knowledge of Irish who would not The influx ol these companies Mis Chambers gave a spirited battle) — on a hill in full view of declared his support for her traditional dancing!' have in the absence of some form of Irish into the Island is viewed in two the official ceremony. state. But it is acknowledged that the crisis It's a different story in Scotland where it's tVi;".>ic ol her lodgers to the local stance. He pointed out that even Actually, the 'security men' different ways. It is seen by the for the language becomes more acute eachnice to repeat that the English tory is an ih jvipers. ' I hey're all good Fo Halloo, and its short-l(ved Queen Elizabeth, head of the light-wingers as a means of should have read the badges first: year. The Gaeltachtai are more and more endangered species and separatism is on the I,;. ." mic declared. 1 hey were held successor, lrree Magh (Insurrec- Anglican Church, had no such increasing the Island's independ- Fraud Squad Family Outing, read threatened, again by emigration, and by march again. Also, there seems to be in l)i>uglas lor twenty-lour hours tion) disappeared when th£ Manx religious scruples when she wore one. Another was Frigmund Seud glimmerings in Scotland of recognition of ence; challenging the powers of more young people turning to English. The THE FUTURE OF THE and released on the Saturday Government. b\ a single vote, the Bollan Bane at Tinwald in 1979 the importance of Gaelic language and the Privy Council and UK control Freaks Out, another Free Shells authorities in . the South, often ambivalent morning even as the 1 nglish agreed to tighten up its residency nor had Princess Margaret in and hypocritical towards Irish, have becomeculture in Scottish history and their i 'I defence and foreign policy. One For Oysters and the one sported newspapers were proclaiming the laws. 19X7. by MHK Hazel Hannan declared more lukewarm. This, of course, is in line relevance today. Most Scots (and others) leading business man. and former still accept the lie that Gaelic culture was of at rest ot IRA tei rorists.' However, against this significantly. Flowers Subdue with a tendency in the Republic to opt for member of the House of Keys, The Bollan Bane saga started to little importance in Scotland. Also, it is still 1 he official version was that background, the Island "maturity" and "sophistication". This IRISH TRADE UNIONS told me that the Island could be in look ugly; the Manx were Ferret Odour! depressingly the case that mention of Ireland British Intelligence had informed authorities viewed the doings of means for many Irish people, unfortunately, a position to demand Common- becoming more English and trying to get rid (even at Celtic conventions) causes not a few THE IRISH Trade Union addition to including a pay agreement the Manx Government that the the 'FSFO' (to use the initials as a wealth status within two or th:_e of uniquely Irish things. «.. Scots to take leave of their senses and Movement has a long and proud the plan also covers economic policy, I y nwald ceremony on July 5 (the name for the movement) with By v ears. * . .. ' „ • - J I conti$utJo do London's work. However, this history. It is one of the oldest in the tax reform, social welfare, and job considerable alarm. Manx National l)av when the 1 he lelt-vving on the''Island A QUEER VIEW OF HISTORY THE death of the Gaeltachai would must surety change, but it will idee a long world and as early as 1729, a law was creation measures. Within the trade time to get rid of the poison. SEAN REDMOND Island's parliament meet at the v lew s matters differently. They see The Chief Constable of the undoubtedly be a terrible blow to Irish. But enacted to outlaw the "combin- union movement, opinions differ ancient site ol St John's and the Island. Robin Oake. is a Crown A QUEER view of history some Irish Houses, streets and even whole towns an encouraging feature is the insistence of ation" of workmen. These regarding participating with the establishment of a capitalist MANN and Cornwall are often bracketed (Gen Sec IMETll) laws of the Island are read in appointee from I ngland; an primary school youngsters seem to be many people in. Ireland on having their combinations were the first Government in this way. Some see it paradise on the Island, with the were burned. "How is that for an together, which I, as a Manxman, find children educated through Irish as far as organisations of workers. In 1749, as assisting in making the capitalist Manx and 1 nglish) was to be a admirer of 'God's Cop,' the Chief getting these days. impartial account? irritating, since there are many differences PART ONE influx of the 'come-overs' (the possible at present, often in the face of weavers in Dublin petitioned system work and thereby target for the IRA On Constable of Manchester, and, Take for instance the textbook Then, at the end of this so-called between the two countries. There are name lor the new wave of tax- official hostility and apathy, north and Parliament regarding their perpetuating it. Others regard such 'information received" the Manx like him. believes he has a 'hoi entitled Footprints 4: History for Sixth book of "history", comes a chapter similarities, it is true. exiles) as detrimental to the south. There has been a phenomenal rise of conditions, arid in August 1752, three The drop in inflation, together with involvement as a recognition of the police acted. line' to God. He is a member of Standard which is stated to be "fully entitled "Give Peace a Chance". Here wellare of the Manx people, both interest in Irish in north eastern Ireland as Both are regarded as holiday places. Both journeymen woolcombers were modest pay increases has meant that role of the trade union movement in I here was some bewilderment one of the 'Born Again' Christian financially and culturally. Mec approved by the Department of Daniel O'Connell is mentioned — the witnessed by the creation of Irish schools in are highly thought of by some rich English charged with "riotously assembling the majority of those at work are not national decision making, without on the Island as 11MS Apollo, a Valium, the Island's Republican sects. He was known to be keen on Education". first time in the book incidentally — Belfast. For the first time, there is a regular people. Both Cornish and Manx are no with several others and unlawfully doing too badly. detracting from our longterm 2.0(H) ton I eander class frigate, Socialist Party, has already taking pre-emptive action to stop Not everyone might be too happy because of his opposition to violence, BBC radio programme in Irish. There is longer natural vernacular languages, forcing away from their work such as For the trade union movement this objectives. They argue that the poses two dangers. Workers may steamed into Douglas harbour to any 'FSSO' demonstration on with things like: "Under the Treaty, though he was of course "out" with strong popular demand for official although the last Manx natr e speaker died would not come into their illegal alternative is to become "margin- warned of the likely outcome of come to regard Fianna Fail as their disgorge a military guard for the the Manx Government pursuing Tynwald Day itself. In this he was six of the counties of Ulster were to the militia in 1803. Sheehy- recognition of Irish by the English state. Thejust a few years ago. However, the Manx combination." Andrew Boyd in his alised," as has happened to the British proceedings, as well as bomb supported by aco-religionist, R.J. Skeffington is mentioned too, as are Irish language will play a part in whatever have preserved some form of self- book, "The Rise of the Irish Trade saviours, because they "are getting the trade unions, whereas we are around this policy. stay within the United Kingdom", economy right." This is already disposal men complete with G. Anderson, President of the Irish nation there is.in the future. This government over many hundreds of years. Unions" suggests that the the table with Government, involved Harlier this year a campaign of when the devolved Stormont Ghandi, Martin Luther King and the happening. Despite massive cuts in tracker dogs, military helicopters Legislative Council, the non- UN. But what of the likes of Allende language will not be enriched so much by the They have their own legal system and their woolcombers had been on strike and in making the decisions. daubing slogans started in the Administration was already Gaeltachtai, but it will endure, aided by the health and other services, Fianna Fail and assorted plainclothes elected executive of the Tynwald, own civil service. Mann is not in the United had set up pickets. The subsequent Island. The letters 'FSFO' began functioning under the Government of or Mandela? efforts of those working both inside and has retained and may even have which form the actual government Kingdom and is not fully in the EEC. history of the movement was one of The deb^fe continued at the Ann ual intelligence officers. For three to appear on various sites Ireland Act of 1920. As historian Padraig O'Snodaigh outside state education systems. struggle, resulting in the strong, well- increased its popularity and the trade days the bomb disposal men administration with the Lt The Manx government should serve as a Conference of ICTU in July, when throughout the lsldna. Noone has The textbook tells the youngsters put it in Anois, this text book — which organised movement that now exists. union movement may be seen as less some unions pressed for another scoured the village of St Johns, in Governor. warning to the other Celts. Although relevant. acknowledged responsibility nor that 200,000 Irishmen fought in the is Irish "history" as approved by the The big success of Irish culture has been . Special Conference to review the the vicinity of Tynwald Hill, the music. This seems set to retain its thousands of English people have settled in Compared to other capitalist explained precisely that 'FSFO' The popular theory among the British Army in World War 1 in Department of Education, God save The other dangerous development National Plan. However, this move sealing up pillar-boxes, drains, Manx, based on well-placed relatively strong position. Mann in recent years, probably making the countries, the trade union movement means. It is generally accepted regiments "such as the Irish Guards, the mark — amounts to propaganda Manx a minority in their own island, the in Ireland is strong, with a higher is that the gap between those at work was defeated, supporters of the Plan checking dustbins and gardens sources, is that the so-called 'IRA that 'FS' means 'Financial Sector' the Connaught Rangers, the Royal and anti-national brainwashing of the Dominating all this is the struggle for government is still largely in Manx hands. proportion of workers organised in and the unemployed and those on arguing that after 8 months it was too much to the indignation of the while 'FO' is a basic Anglo-Saxon threat' was conjured up in order to Munster Fusiliers, the Royal Dublin deepest die. The rewriting of Irish Irish self determination. A free, united But those Manxmen in power have usually unions than most. There is also a Social Welfare is widening. Our early to assess it. However, there was local inhabitants, who also economy and society is clearly being unanimous agreement that so far the expletive! present a show of force so that any Fusiliers and the Royal Irish Rifles." history to provide an apologia for the Ireland would be of enormously enhanced had no qualms at all about selling their land fairly widespread public acceptance of objected to aisatian dogs running potential demonstration from ths EEC, which has been going on for importance to the other Celtic nations. We and their heritage to the highest bidder. trade unions, and the long-standing modelled on Thatcher's Britain. Government has failed to bring Prior to July, the campaign had What, one wonders, about the Sons of forward job creation measures. The riot in their gardens with 'FSFO' group would be still-born. years among the academics, is now have seen the beginnings of inter-Celtic co- There are plans now to Increase Mann's tradition of not passing pickets, while Despite the noticable improvement in been gaining momentum. On July Ulster Marching to the Somme." the economy, unemployment remains trade union movement could, of helicopters whirling close Certainly, the news of the 'IRA percolating into the schools through operation in cultural affairs, such as the population to 100,000 - roughly double the somewhat diminished, nevertheless 1. after an intensification of the The chronology of the book jumps depressingly high. At 237,700 at the course, become involved in an overhead Tn_ Manx Independent threat' completely overshadowed textbooks like this. Irish parents are exchange , of poets and musicians between figure of a few years ago. The Manx still remain. However, it would be a apprearance of the slogans in from the French Revolution to end of June 1988 it represents 18%% ideological debate. But in the short- (one ol the Island's major the 'FSFO' story. But the paying for it with the taxes and it is Gaelic Scotland and Ireland (an enterprise authorities are naturally Jittery about mistake to be complacent. There are prominent spots, the letters were Grattan's Volunteers of 1782 and then revealing details of how many "comeovers" serious problems facing us, and it is of the labour force. The total has gone term, the Plan, or Programme for newspapers) called it 'the biggest demonstration has produced a their children who have their minds backed by the Dublin and London burned into a hillside with on to 1798. About 1798 it says: "Most governments). This sort of cooperation have arrived in the last ten years or so. generally .agreed that our trade union down by a mere 9,100 since last year. Recovery is in place and the trade security operation that has ever backlash of anger from the distorted with it., How long, one Recent years have also seen the re- unions will have to insist that the weedkiller in 40 feet high letters of the fighting took place in needs to be greatly expanded. All the Celts movement is now at a decisive stage in been mounted for the open air Islanders distrubed by the wonders, will both of them put up There has been a sharp increase in interest emergence of the scourge of Government adheres to it. If through overlooking the site of Tynwald. Wexford." It makes no mention of nud to adopt the old Manx proverb "Mie in Manx language and music recendy. This it's development. Tynwald ceremony at St According to the Manx threatening presence of the with it? Nerin, mie Mannin" fWhat's good for The headings under which discussion emigration. It is generally agreed that the Plan, we can create more jobs, Emmet and 1803. trend is likely to cdntinne. As in Cpmwaii, obtain a better deal for the socially Johns. . . ' Independent it was the 'most military and police. Ireland is good for Mann"). Also, the is taking place arer- about 30,000 are leaving Ireland There is a chapter on Irish some of those learning the language mid- annually, so that in the past three to deprived and bring about a more In its leader on Tuesday, July 5, dramatic attack since the daubing Anderson is not too well cooperation must not be of the dubious kind 1. Changes in the Irish economy. Independence, without mention of the supporting Celtic culture are newcomers. In four years we have probably lost equitable society, then the trade union the Independent observed: 'We campaign began at the beginning regarded on the Island. He is an which the Anglo-Irish accord Is tending to Mann, the finance sector Is making 2. Unemployment and social 1RB. James Connolly is mentioned about 100,000 people, movement will be seen to be doing its must all sincerely hope that the of the year.' On July 2, the Ulsterman who went to the Island foster. increasing use of the badges of Manx injustice. but not James Larkin. There is no . - 3. Trade Union Organisation, gap between the "haves' job. Otherwise, we will be perceived as current security operation — the Independent's leader column was as a young man to pick potatoes, identity. They are not too worried about the "have nots" is therefore a major partnering Fianna Fail in maintaining like of which we have neverseen in stayed to marry the daughter of a mention of Carson and Unionists substance. The crucial political decision for ronucai action. devoted to the subject. 5. The North-South problem. problem for the Irish Trade union our selfish society. Some of us believe peacetime — is the result of mi$- wealthy and influential Island seemingly only existed in the North. TURNING to Wales, we have the Celtic Mann concerns relations with the EEC and that such changes cannot be achieved "The people of the Island, and ' **/laMiaM MM mmmtf ekemm Imtm^ J The way in which the Irish economy movement. mformation. We are an And would you believe it: "in 1912 a BOOKS by this type of "social partnership" its Government are quite aware of family, obtained positions in the Soon after the 1987 election, the Bill was paused. .. which would give doubt In the stronges position of all six OjJSnOrt JmOnCc OperGUOnS OH illf ISlfUtM.is bein g shaped, Especially since Independent Celtic nation, and the harmful side-effects the recent Manx Government, and swung Fianna Fail Government entered into and we have the task of keeping the Home Rule". Well, what are two Celtic languages. There are still Welsh- MX impression It that the Comb* mi Fianna Fail came to power in debate going within the movement. must make it clear that the economic boom has created. We his religious beliefs from his wife's their friends have made a more determined February 1987, is worrying trade negotiations with the Irish Congress years of agitation between friends? 244 GRAYS INN ROAD speaking communities an troubles in Ireland, however all know that open space is being Methodism to being 'Bbrn attempt than the Manx to revive their native unionists. Inflation is down, exports of Trade Unions (ICTU) the m LONDON WC 1 employers, the farmers and other tragic, are not our responsibility.' eaten up for development and that Again.' As President of the And do you know what happened culture. For instance, there are more are increasing, the balance of trade is 'to. In fact, misinformation was at Legislative Council, he has in the Wat of Independence? "For the ...... ,.. ... •• « "Kwfefc now favourable and there is some interest groups and a plan was finally property prices have soared '•.•'•• i agreed, described as a "Programme Next month - Politics the root of the problem. beyond the reach of many young demonstrated a curious anti- escame ~< t WRITE FDR LIST j wth in the economy. But this has by, and to some for National Recovery." At a special Deliberate misinformation. It is Manx couples. Manx attitude, being anti-Maa» killed 01-833-3022 [- extent resulting from, a savage attack conference of ICTU in November well-known, and a fact often 'We also know that the daubing culture white the question of the burned... both 1987, it was accepted by 181 votes to sides caused great destruction. ori public services, enabling stressed by the Irish Republican of four letter slogans over walls Manx language (perhaps became Government expenditure to be cut. 114. It will run for three years, and in Page Ten THE IRISH DEMOCRAT September IMS

I FOLLOWED WHACK FOL THE DIDDLE Page Eleven THE IRISH DEMOCRAT September 1986 I SING you a song of peace and love, HENRY JOY Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day. (A Ballad of '98) To the land that reigns all lands above. AN Ulster man Fm proud to be Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day. May peace and plenty be her share, STUDY OF O'CONNELL From Antrim's glens I come, Who kept our homes from want and care, 1 1 And though I labour by the sea, government the right of veto on the landlords' nominees (the ballot was long-term aims of Pitt and I have followed flat and drum, Oh God bless England is our prayer, . OLIVER MacDonagh, The appointment of bishops. not yet secret), and support a Castlereagh in Ireland, and how the HP;... V I xj I have heard the martial tramp of Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day. Hereditary Bondsman, O'Connell was a man of towering progressive candidate, even if he was a Protestant ascendancy fitted into Edited by men, CHORUS: personality, vigorous energy and Protestant, then no rural constituency these plans. There is very little about • ' * J Daniel O'Cornell, 1775- biting eloquence, and soon made a would be safe for the Tories or Whigs. I have seen men fight and die, Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day, the crucial issue of land ownership, promising reputation on the Munster Wyse, together with a group of priests and hardly any comment on Ulster Aye, lads, I well remember when So we say Hip Hurrah! 1829. Constable (1988). PATRICK BOND circuit. His interest in politics, which and encouraged by O'Connell and The rise of the United Irish movement Come and listen while we pray I followed Henry Joy. £16.95. had been with him since his boyhood Sheil, persuaded a young and is treated rather curiously except as Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day. I hung my nets upon a tree, THE Irish nationalist cause went days, was heightened by the liberally-minded Protestant, Villiers something of which O'Connell I hid my sails away, When we were savage, fierce and wild, Nurses, Nuns into temporary decline after the government's failure to grant full Stuart, to challenge the rich Beresford disapproved. Wolfe Tone dismissed in I dragged my boat upon the shore Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day. defeats of 1798 and 1803, and both Catholic emancipation, and though family who had monopolised political a few sentences. still only in his thirties he quickly power in Co.- Waterford for And scanned the moonlit bay. She came as a mother to her child, republicanism and democracy were at The author writes in a lively way, emerged as the best-known leader of generations. Following an exciting and the book is thoroughly- The polis were out and the redcoats Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day. a low ebb after the Act of Union. The & Bar-maids moderate Catholic opinion in Ireland. election campaign in June 1826, and researched and most readable. It will too, Gently raised us from the slime, United Irish leaders were dead, in VALLEY OF KNOCKANURE ACROSS The Water. Irish exile, or., with a few notable By 1810 he was prepared to take on to consternation of the establishment, be interesting to see how he deals in I kissed my wife goodbye — Kept our hands from hellish crime, such a formidable political figure as Stuart won by 1,357 votes to YOU may sing and speak about Easter Week and the heroes of exceptions such as James Hope and the second volume with the declining Aye, lads, I well remember when And sent us to heaven in her own good time, women's lives in Britain. Edited Sir Robert Peel. His involvement in a Beresford's 527. Encouraged by this 'Ninety-eight, the Rev. Steel Dickson - disillusioned. years of O'Connell — the failure of I followed Henry Joy. Whack fol the diddle lol te di do day. by Mary Lennon, Marie duel in 1815 in which he killed his sensational result, O'Connell, though the repeal movement, the break with Of the Fenian men who roamed the glen, in victory or defeat; The mass of the population, who had CHORUS: McAdam and Joanne O'Brien. fought so gallantly in Wexford and Unionist opponent did not lessen his a Catholic and therefore unable to Young Ireland, and his disastrous Their names on history's page are told, their memory will endure - Aye, lads, for Ireland 'twas we Our fathers oft' were naughty boys, Antrim, were without hope or popularity among the common enter parliament, put himself forward leadership during the early years of Not a song was sung of our darling sons in the Valley of Knockanure. fought, Virago Press. £6.95. people of Dublin where he was Whac* fol the diddle lol the di do day spokesman, and there was little as a candidate in Co. Clare. In July, the Famine. For home and side we bled, everywhere recognised when he 1828 he won 2,057 votes to his There was Walsh and Lyons and Dalton, boys, they were young and in Pikes and guns are dangerous toys, ACROSS the Water is a testimony to opportunity for constitutional Though guns were few our hearts the lives of Irish working class women walked from his home in Merrion opponent's 982. It was the beginning their prime, Whafck fol the diddle lol the di do day. activity because of the lack of a free were true, living in Britain. In their own word Square to the Four Courts. of the end of the Ascendancy in the They made their way to a lonely spot where the Black and Tans did hide; From Baile Atha Buidhe to Pteters Hill pres^and parliament in Dublin. Only And five to one lay dead; fifteen women trace their reasons for sporadic Ribbon outbreaks and a few south of Ireland. The Republic bold they did uphold though outlawed on the moor, Aye, and many a lassie missed her They made poor England weep her fill, leaving Ireland, how they felt about it, cultural organisations kept alive a These successes, combined with And side by side they fought and died in the Valley of Khockanure. lad But old Britannia loves us still, what it was like to arrive in a strange spirit of resistance. There was no Reviewed 'Twas on a neighbouring hillside, we listened with distnay, Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day. city, and what happened to them upon growing internal pressure upon the And mother mourned her boy, progress towards Catholic Whigs in Britain, encouraged the In every house in the whole townland a maiden knelt to pray; For youth was strong in the dashing CHORUS: arrival. emancipation, electoral reform or the "I decided anyway that I'd go. So I by government, now led by the Duke of Gaelic Hero They're closing in around them now with rifle fire so sure, throng Oh Irishmen forget the past, abolition of the iniquitous tithe said one week to my mother that I was Wellington and with the reluctant And Lyons is dead and Dalton's down in the Valley of Knockanure. Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day system. In Britain reaction reigned That followed Henry Joy. going to England. She said, 'You're approval of Sir Robert Peel, to FIONN Mac CumhaiU : And think of the day that is coming fast, unchecked under the leadership of introduce in April, 1829 a Catholic They took them then beside a fence to where the furze did bloom, In Belfast town they built a tree not.' They had an awful dislike Flann Campbel! Whack fol the diddle lot the di do day Pitt and Castlereagh. relief bill which would allow Catholics Images of the Gaelic Hero, Like brothers so they faced the foe to meet their dreadful doom! And the redcoats mustered there; against you coming to England. So I When we shall all be civilized Then about 1808-10 the Catholic the right to enter parliament on the Daittii O hOgain, Gill and When Dalton spoke his voice it broke with a passion proud and pure I watched him come as the beat of said, i am.' 'Well,' she said, 'I wish I The 1820s were perhaps the most Neat and clean and well advised, was burying you instead of letting you middle classes in Ireland acquired a same terms as Protestants, and take "For our land we die as we face the sky in the Valley of Knockanure." the drum constructive period in O'Connell's Macmillan, 361pp. IR£39. Oh won't Mother England be surprised! go to England.' But I came anyway. I new spokesman who began to give up certain administrative posts in But e're the guns could seal his fate Con D. had broken through, life. In alliance with Richard Sheil he Rolled out through the barrack Whack fol the diddle lol the di do day. made up my own mind." them fresh confidence and self- Ireland with the exception of viceroy IRISH mythology and folklore are With a prayer to God he spurned the sod as against the hill he flew square. respect. This was Daniel O'Connell, a founded the Catholic Association and commander-in-chief. The act was CHORUS: Another woman described her which within a few years became a becoming increasingly popular these Till the bullets tore his flesh in two he surprised the Tans I'm sure He kissed his sister and went aloft young and virtually unknown retrogressive in so far as the 40/- parents' reaction thus: "My mother formidable political movement days. It is simply amazing the number As he made his dash for liberty in the Valley of Knockanure. And bade a last goodbye. P^ADAR KEARNEY didn't really raise any objections. I barrister from Co. Kerry. qualification for electors was replaced dedicated to winning the right of by one of £10 which, of course, of books being published on the subject Then, oh God, he died; I turned and think she knew I could take care of O'Connell came from a small The evening sun is setting now behind the Feale and Lea, Catholics to sit in parliament. Large effectively reduced the number of as well as retellings and adaptations of cried: myself, basically. But my father was landlord family who had survived the The pale, pale moon is rising far out beyond Tralee, penal laws, and as was the custom was sums of money were raised through a potential voters. O'Connell accepted the more popular tales from the myths. "They have murdered Henry CINDERELLA horrified, heartbroken. He had sisters levy of a penny per month per person The dismal star and clouds afar are darkening o'er the moor, here in England and all his life *f^eeathrqu8hnMththe; fair • Mike made a great show of smacking his hump the'-quare.felia! Yoit play every programme never varied —a game of darts wonder in life. play to you, Ned!" Mike said when I gave lips. Sunday night, don't you? If the frigger in the Bull, across the square then to the The door was pushing at my back and I him his drink — if he knew about the few "Ah sure 'tis mighty, what are ye talkin' don't like it we'll go somewhere else, a Wheatsheal to see what the crack was and stood clear to let in whoever was there; it words in the lounge he didn't let on and about?" Mike was never too fussy about man'II get a drink anywhere!" Mike was then on to the Earl of Derby in Marefairto was Peadar and there was a look on his face Peadar took his whiskey with a shy nod. I the beer, the crack was the main thing with heating up and Peadar backed him. hear Sweeney play. Sweeney was a master I had never seen before. "I was searching had a sense of having lost something, of Mike but later on he'd turn on the hard fiddler but lumpy as hell, he'd play vou any "Too right, Sween! Give us a blast." The for you, Ned," he told me, the anger having gone too far like a kid with the stuff. He looked back at Callaghan in piano had stopped in the lounge and the tune under the sun but the tune you wanted making him breathless. "When I missed tantrums. And then Sweeney struck up the conversation with some geyser at the far bar was filling up with the lads who came when the awkward mood hit him. I never you and there was no sign of you coming Soldier's Song and we were all standing end of the counter, a rep or a traveller of every Sunday night to hear Sweeney play, cared a lot lor Sweeney, more than once it back I thought you might be in trouble stiffly to attention, the normal conclusion some sort by the look of him. all dolled up iii their Burton suits and white came to my lips to tell him what hi could abroad in the gents, someone picking on to the Sunday night crack in the Earl of "Wouldn't you think he'd fix that shirts, the navvies' Sunday best; if Sween do with his fiddle. you or something — " Derby. But something made me glance shaggin' jukebox'.' Doonaree I was looking was to play at all now was the time to "I'm okay," I told him shortly. "I'm across at the new guv'nor; his face was "We'll hit the Derby later on," PeaJar for." begin. only listening to the music." "You're white with anger and he was gripping one said as though we ever did anything else; "Arrah, what odds! Come on over to the "Go on get it out," Mike urged, he'd listening to this?" If I had told him to push of the pumps as if he wanted to wrench it titan just as needlessly, he added. "Sween'll Wheatsheaf 'till we see what the crack is," just as soon the new guv'nor made an issue off Peadar wouldn't have been more from the counter to use as a weapon. The be playing." Peadar urged, draining his glass. of it, you could see. Sweeney took his fiddle offended. "You'd sooner listen td this moment the last note of the Soldier's Song There was something biting me that There was no crack at all in the out of the cast but he spent too long farting racket than stop with your matfs? Is that was played he pushed through the crowd to night, some edginess 1 couldn't explain and Wheatsheaf, the bar was nearly empty about with it, tightening the strings and the kind of bloke you are, Ned — a feckin' stand, quivering, before Sweeney. Peadar's remark irritated me. There was wherever the lads were at all that night, pinging them,'a real Paganini. Before he turncoat?" "Take that thing out of here," he told hardly a meg out of me all the way to the there was only an old long distance kiddie got started the piano was playing again — How could 1 have made him see that 1 Sween, "and don't bring it back!" He drew Bull and that wasn't like me at all with nailed boots and a muffler sitting Amapola an old Latin American number 1 was carried away by the music, music,that himself up and then looked round on us all, The pint of bitter was bad in the Bull, inside the door and two Kerrymen at the hadn't heard in years, not since the big was as foreign to Peadar as the chanting of he had been a military man I could see, an you'd think 'twas on purpose, and the counter, whispering like conspiritors. I bands were in vogue and they made films a Sioux beyond in Dakota? He wouldn't officer or a sergeant major at the least, it snotty little Clare barmaid took her lime looked round the drab little pub and it like Down South America Way. It took my have believed me, I doubt if they ever heard leaves its stamp on them long after they about serving us. seemed to me I was seeing it properly for breath, the heartbreaking melody, and Sibone in Mulranny. But I could have said leave the army. the first time; what was I doing here at all, I without knowing it I edged over to the something for the sake of our friendship, "That's a bad pint," ! said loud enough "And you lot — if you intend coming in asked myself, or was there nothing better door of the lounge, the saloon as Sweeney Peadar had been a good mate to me for her to hear but the two lads said here again you'll learn to conduct in life but the same stupid old crack, the called it thought it was more of an old always, it was Peadar who brought me*>ut nothing. Mike was over at the jukebox yourselves! I'll have none of your bog- darts in the Bull, the crowd in the fashioned pub parlour with wooden on my first navvy-job when I was stuck in a studying the song titles — no more than yelling here, it's not a shebeen you have Wheatsheaf and down to the Derby to get seating and a scrubbed board floor. There stuffy little warehouse in London. I owred Jim Sweeney below in the Earl ol Derby back in Ireland!" sloshed listening to Sweeney. were only a few in the lounge, old folks, all Peadar a lot but I said nothing, the you could'nt bank on getting the tune of I looked at Mike but it was Peadar who "Aw Christ, it's like a morgue in here," locals — it was always like that in the pubs contrariness had a grip on me now and your choice on the old dome-shaped struck — one savage haymaker to the butt Mike groaned, "come on away down to the round the centre of Norwold, the Irish lads incensed at my coolness Peadar grabbed Wurlitzer in the Bull, the titles didn't of the jaw, the sound of-it like a gunshot —- Earl." But the guv'nor had seen us and in the public bar and the Jocals in the me by the throat. "You're only a friggin' correspond with their numbers half the and the new guv'nor dropped like a sack. Peadar hadn't the heart to back out again lounge, no friction at all just a kind of turncoat, Ned! I wouldn't think twice of time and Callaghan, the guv'nor couldn't "Come on, Pete," Mike said, suddenly without calling a drink. voluntary segregation. I listened in the planking you!" I didn't resist him at all, be bothered to put them right. sober, "the Johnnies wiH be here in a "We'll just have the one," he said and doorway as the pianist's thin fingers just shrugged as if to say carry on and just "Can't you taste it?" I challenged minute!" We walked home in silence and called for three pints. We drank them in danced over the keys and the sweet then I'd be as well pleased if he did, if Peadar and he sipped at his pint cautiously. when we got to the gates of the church we silence and then we drifted down to melancholy of the air took me back a .Peadar struck me we'd be quits, he'd be as "Bejay I don't know, I see no loss on it," didn't light up for a last smoke and achat Marefair. It was like any other Sunday dozen years or more, Betty Grable and much in the wrong as I was. It was like Peadar said though he was loth to disagree as we always did before parting. night and at the same time it was somehow Don Ameche and all the wonderful bright something out of a dream, the pianist with me. "Sod it, I think I'll pull out of this town different, there was a gloom on me like a fantasy of Hollywood. As a townie I was playing away as if nothing was happening "You don't find it flat?" altogether, there's nothing in it for a man," cloud, I'd just as soon have gone back to brought up on all that, Mike and Peadar while m> mate stood there with his fist Peadar sipped again, he'd as soon have Peadar said as we were passing the church. the digs and the dingy little room I shared wouldn't have had a clue about it, I don't clenched, ready to strike. But he didn't found fault with it if he could be he shook "Weil, the divil a much," Mike agreed with Brophy who was too mean to go out. suppose they'd been to the pictures ten strike me after all, a look of baffled hurt his head reluctantly. gloomily. We said goodnight then and I People get a foretaste of things, I believe, times in their lives. But then a poke in the came into his eyes and he turned away "The divil a bit, Ned " was sure they'd turn up for work in the intimations of change. ribs brought me back; it was Peadar, from me abruptly. Mike put his tanner in the jukebox and morning but in fact I never saw either of Mike was striding ahead of Peadar and grinning happily. "Stay with them so, Ned, if that's what came back to the counter, he hadn't them again. Peadar was killed on a big me with a rolling kind of gait, shoulders "Sween is playing, Ned! The Mason's you want," he said and went back to the touched his pint of bitter yet. hydro-electric job up in Scotland and a few hunched in the typical navvy gimp that so Apron." public bar. "Sup that, will you, and see what you years later and Mike is a wino now down many of the lads affected. Mike could turn 1 turned back to the bar, hiding my There was another old favourite of mine think." I told Mick. The three of us had round Hammersmith. awkward easily enough unlike Peadar and annoyance, and somebody closed the door playing now, Green Eyes, the song that spent a few weeks of the summer up in A Mayoman told me that he hardly being done out of the usual crack in the to the lounge, shutting out the piano. Monty Ray was making famous when I was Yorkshire at the hay and some of the lingo recognised him one day last year when Wheatsheaf had soured him. As we came Sweeney was on top form, I never heard still at school at home in Carlow; but the hat^stuck Mike sampled his pint, you'd Mike tapped him for the price of a drink. near the Earl of Derby Peadar tried to him better, and he went from the Mason's think he was wine-tasting the way he brighten things up, imitating a flute player, Apron to Roaring Mary with a braggart's delayed about swallowing the mouthful of an imaginary flute at his lips and his fingers flourish. One of the boys let a yell out, a fceer. Piss-taking, that was Mike's form dancing — that was an old caper of ours, long undulating wolf howl, wow-wow-wow- when he was in good humour. drunk or sober, the busiest time we ever wooooooo! with all the power of his lungs. "Well?" I prompted, iirpatient, but BRONTIERRE O'BRIEN were on the job Peadar would make a flute It was the usual response to the music but I Mike took his time over answering and of his shovel and I'd let a yell out of me or guessed that the new guv'nor wouldn't like when he did he shook his Head, 'throw a step on it!' at Mike's urging, it and I wasn't far out, his face was tight "I see nothing wrong w.th it, maybe 'tis battering a reel of a jig with the heels of my with disapproval and he had one eyebrow on yourself it is." "She wears red feathers COMMEMORATION boots... Down in Boreham Wood the raised like an actor. Alf had never minded and a hoola-hoola skirl" boomed out of the year before we nearly drove an old the yelling, he knew it was the lads' way of jukebox, Guy Mitchel was all the go then THIS year the oration was given by The Ceremony was chaired by Cockney ganger mad with those antics, letting off steam, no harm at all in it. but Mike pulled a face in disgust. Cllr Andrew Puddephatt, Leader of bleedin' headers he called us, bleedin' "Throw that off, Ned," Peadar told me, Gerry Lawless, Chair, Hackney "Doonaree I wanted, that bleddy yoke is Paddy comedians! But I let no yell out of his own pint on his head. That was Hackney Council. Hie wreath was Labour Group who paid tribute to banjaxed." me now and I threw no step on it as I would Peadar's style, the music made him more laid by Cllr Medlin Lewis, Mayor "It seems," 1 said, "some people will the tireless work of Chris Maguire, another night, I couldn't bring myself to, tipsy than the booze and the minute drink anything." of Hackney. without whose efforts the somehow, not for all the tea in China. Sweeney began playing he glowed like a But Mike didn't hear me, he was eyeing Wreaths were also laid by Doris Commemoration would not be Peadar stopped his miming, abashed as a bulb. I drank off my pint and Peadar the dartboard, his set of arrows out of their child asked to sing and then ignored when brough three pints and three whiskies Daly for the National Council of possible. plastic case, smoothing the flights. There it did, and we carried on towards the Earl down from the counter and it was the hard Leitrim people in Britain, Redmond An earlier threat by the Class were a couple of McAlpine's men on the of Derby with an air of constraint stuff for the rest of the session with the odd board, the stocky bloke in the navy blue O'Neill, of the Irish Section War Anarchist Group to disrupt the thickening about us like a fog. pint in between for the thirst. Mike never suit and the yellow shoes wanted a double Labour Party, Paul Joyce, of Save ceremony failed to materialist after The sound of piano playing was coming needed his arm twisted to turn on the to win. Guy Mitchell warbled on unheeded Abney Park Cemetery Association. from the Derby — for a wonder: in all the whiskey though God knows he hadn't a warning from the platform that and when the stocky bloke scored Mike time we'd been using the pub the lid had much more of a head for it than Peadar and Attendance included, Cllr Peter the Irish in Hackney would not jerked his head. never come off the piano on a Sunday night myself. But even the whiskey couldn't Watson, Chief Whip, Hackney "We'll challenge these two — who'll tolerate any interferences while before, Alf kept the Sunday night for Irish banish the queer mood that was on me that mark the board?" Borough Council, Cllr Brian they were honouring their dead. music always. "Arrah, the friggin' piano," night, nor Sweeny's playing which any I took the chalk, I'd as lief mark as play March, Chair Hackney Planning Peadar said, disappointment stopping him other night would have me wahoo-ing with and I wasn't too keen to do either, the bad dead. "Sween isn't in tonight." the best of them. and Economic Committee, Qlr pint was niggling me still. Peadar and Mike But Sweeney was there alright, he was "Me life on you, Sween!" Mike bellowed Fred Taggart, recent Chair, COLLECTED Won the toss and Mike threw the first dart, sitting on his own in the bar, his fiddle still at the top of his voice and the guv'nor Lambert Housing Committee and double top straight off, no bother; they in the case, looking put out. And there was glanced sharply in our direction. It wtff away then and the two McAlpine men Vice-Chair Association of London WORKS a new guv'nor behind the bar, a big, bald, wouldn't be long before he called a halt to never came near them. Peadar was nothing Authorities and Irish Sub fleshy man with a ring the size of a shilling the crack. We'd have been on the third or special with the darts but Mike was a OF on his finger and a dicky bow under his fourth short, I'd say, when the door to the Committees, Cllr Tommy natural, as good as any of those fat slobs chin; he had one hand on the beer pump lounge opened again; Sween was taking a Shepherd, Chair Leisure Services you see on the telly these days. Three like a man that would be eager for custom breather and the piano music flowed in; games they won on the trot and then Mike Committee, Hackney, Cllr Plat JAMES but his eyes were cold and wary as he Sibone, the tune caught me like a put his darts back in their case, if they were Corrigan. pulled our three pints. Alf always had a remembered fragrance and I pushed made of glass he wouldn't have been any CONNOLLY word for you, but this new bloke was quite through the crowd into the lounge, closing Irish Organisations represented: more careful with them. . •SV-i • cool. We brought our pints over to where the door behind me. Sibone, it's the time Gerard Curran and John Burke, "We'll have another before we go across available at Sweeney sat and Mike touched the fiddle that they croon down Havana way... it to the Sheaf." Connolly Association, Redmond case with his foot, almost disdainfully it brought me br-A like magic, the sweet O'Neill, Labour Irish Section, FOUR PROVINCES seemed; small things could rattle Mike nostalgia of it held me in a way that Printed by Ripley Printers Ltd (TU), Doris Daly, National Council sometimes. Sweeney's reel* and jigs never could, I felt a BOOKSHOP Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbys, Leitrim People in Britain, Paul and published by Connolly Publi- "What's wrong you're not playing, tumult of pure happiness as the little 244/246 Gray's Inn Road, cations Ltd, 244 Grays Inn Road Sween?" Mike demanded and Sweeney middle-aged pianist in his shiny suit and Joyce Stoke Newington Tenants' LONDON, WC1 London WCI. Telephone: 01-833-3022 pulled a face that could mean anything. National Health spectacles drew magic Association.