JAMES CONNOLLY FESTIVAL EVENTS 2024
LAND AND THE PEOPLE
Thursday, May 9th, 7pm, The New Theatre, Dublin
Environment, LAND
What is our relationship with the land and the resources? What do we actually mean when we say 'we'?
What language does the capital speak, and what language does it refuse to hear? In our event, we open these and other questions around the exploitation, resistance, the collective and the individual.
We discuss the exploited and mismanaged nature, infrastructure, and systems of care in Ireland.
Film Screening & Q&A - Blood Fruit
Friday, May 10th, 7pm, The New Theatre, Dublin
WORKERS POWER
Blood Fruit tells the powerful story of the Dunnes Stores strike, which kicked off in 1984 – an extraordinary example of ordinary women taking a political and moral initiative that had far-reaching, positive consequences in helping to break the apartheid system in South Africa. The strike lasted three years, at a huge personal cost for those involved. But in the end the Irish government were forced to ban the import of South African goods – the first ever complete ban on goods exported from apartheid South Africa. We mark the 40th anniversary of the strike at a time when the apartheid state of Israel is sparking similarly inspired actions across the globe. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with one of the original strikers, Mary Manning.
James Connolly Walking Tour
Saturday, May 11th, 11am - €5
Walking Tour
The story of James Connolly usually focuses on two key aspects: Liberty Hall and the Rising. Yet there was so much more to his time in Dublin.
This tour will visit some of the less well-known or ‘hidden’ places associated with his life in the city. It is about 2.5km in length and will take about two hours, starting at Beresford Place and ending at Dame St.
It will go ahead rain or shine so please dress appropriately
Youth Panel - ‘Youth, Imperialism & Revolution’
Saturday, May 11th, 2pm, The New Theatre, Dublin
YOUTH
Imperialism has shaped and defined the struggle of working class people across the world. We bring together communist youth activists for a panel discussion.
We are glad to welcome General Secretary of the Young Communist League of Britain Georgina Andrews, General Secretary of the Connolly Youth Movement Tomás Sheehan and Chairperson of the Communist Party of Ireland Youth Committee Matthew O’Brien for a panel discussion and Q&A on matters relating to young people today.
JAMES CONNOLLY MEMORIAL LECTURE
Saturday, May 11th, 4pm, The New Theatre, Dublin
NATIONAL QUESTION & NEUTRALITY
This years James Connolly Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Fearghal Mac Bhloscaidh. Fearghal is a Belfast-based historian and the author of a number of important books, including Tyrone: the Irish Revolution, 1912-1923.
Palestine Solidarity Event
Saturday, May 11th, 8pm, The New Theatre
PALESTINE SOLIDARITY
In association with Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign we present Gazelleband, Rosin El-Cherif, Anna D & Emmet Kirwan.
Gazelleband - Formed by a duo of Palestinian oud player Reem Anbar and musician Dr Louis Brehony, Gazelleband tell the Palestinian story through music. Based in Manchester, the band perform internationally at festivals, concert halls, universities and community events. Upon previous visits to Ireland the band spoke of the bonds of solidarity between Ireland and Palestine with famous performances of 'Foggy Dew' and 'James Connolly'.
Róisín El-Cherif is an Irish Palestinian artist from Galway who has been at the forefront of solidarity rallies and in raising awareness and funds. Her most recent song ‘Siúil a Rúin’ is a traditional Irish ballad sung in a mixture of Irish, English and Arabic. Speaking of the song and her Irish-Palestinian culture, El Cherif remarked “What links these two cultures for me is grief and perseverance. I find great solace in the traditional music of both lands and it felt easy for me to blend and combine them.”
Anna Doran is a spoken word poet, recently crowned all-Ireland slam poetry artist in Derry. She has prepared a long piece on the shared struggle of Ireland and Palestine and the more broad effects of colonialism.
Emmet Kirwan - The evening will be hosted by Irish actor, playwright and screenwriter, Eemet Kirwan. Beyond his artistry, Emmet is a well known activist and advocate of social justice and causes.
This Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign who host a stall in Connolly Books before and after the event.
JAMES CONNOLLY ANNUAL COMMEMORATION
Sunday, May 12th, 15.00pm, Arbour Hill
James Connolly Commemoration
The weekend comes to a close on Sunday May 12th will the annual Connolly Commemoration at Arbour Hill, Dublin. The main oration will come from Cuban Ambassador to Ireland Bernard Guanche Hernandez. It will also see a speech from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Ireland, Jimmy Corcoran. The event will be followed by drinks in the Cobblestone.