Mother Jones died at the Burgess farm in Maryland at 11.55pm on November 30th 1930.
Mother Jones at Lillian Burgess’ Farm. Left to Right: Mr. Burgess, Mother Jones and Burt Fowler.
Mother Jones and Lillie Burgess on Sept 16th 1930, just before Mother Jones died.
Her funeral was attended by tens of thousands of union workers. Father William Sweeney celebrated mass for the repose of her soul at St. Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church in Washington on Wednesday, 3rd December 1930.
The casket was then placed on the Baltimore and Ohio train and was transported by rail following the route taken by the train bearing the remains of Abraham Lincoln to Springfield in 1866. From St Louis’s Union Station, the casket bearing Mother Jones was placed on the Wabash train to Mount Olive. It was taken to the Odd Fellows Hall in the town where it lay in state for a further three days. Thousands of miners and their families called to pay their respects.
Media reports state that up to 40,000 trade unionists and working people swamped the town over the three days in what was probably the largest gathering for a funeral of a woman trade unionist in history. Women could not ascend the formal male career ladder of trade unionism at the time and so Mother Jones remained a front line union organiser especially in the early 1900s.
The crowds of miners gather in Mt Olive.
Yet her leadership of miners, her fearless approach to union organising and her moral authority among working class people remained without parallel. Her fearlessness and courage had made her a legend, and so almost a decade after she took a back seat from union activity, when she was over 80 years old, her funeral provoked a massive response from workers everywhere.
They remembered, we remember too after ninety five years.
The reponse is probably best summed up by Fr. John Maguire
Father Maguire, a labour activist, spoke in his oration at the funeral of Mother Jones.
“Sometimes, she used language that a polite family journal could not print, sometimes she used methods that made the righteous grieve……But let it be remembered that she was, after all, human. Her faults were the excesses of her courage, her love of justice, the love in her mother’s heart. Today in gorgeous mahogany furnished and carefully guarded offices in distant capitals, wealthy mine owners and capitalists are breathing sighs of relief. Today among the plains of Illinois, the hillsides and valleys of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, In California, Colorado and British Columbia, strong men and toil worn women are weeping tears of bitter grief. The reason for this contrasting relief and sorrow is the same.
Mother Jones is dead!”
Author, Edward M. Steel editor “The Speeches and Writings of Mother Jones (1988 University of Pittsburg Press) in his afterword described the final public “birthday” appearance of Mother Jones on 1st May 1930.
“Although she had been confined to bed for weeks, on 1st May she summoned up the energy to move from her upstairs bedroom to a rocking chair under the apple tree in the yard (of the Burgess farm), where all day long she opened telegrams and letters, received visitors, reminisced with old friends, bantered with reporters, and presided over the cutting of the five-tiered birthday cake supplied by the bakers’ union.
Mother Jones with her birthday cake. Photo: Courtesy of Saul Schniderman.
Many labour leaders in their Washington HQ had conspired to make the day a success and Paramount sent a crew to film the festivities. When she spoke into their microphones, she probably addressed more people than she had in years of street gatherings and public addresses.”
Mother Jones.
The New York Times report the next day contains the longest quotation from her fiery birthday remarks:
Out on the lawn she faced the talking picture cameras, took a deep breath and a drink of water, and began an impromptu speech which brought loud applause and sent the nearby circling crows wheeling back to the woods. A dog enjoying a nap in the May sunshine jumped to his feet as the white-haired labor leader said in a ringing voice:
“America was not founded on dollars but on the blood of men who gave their lives for your benefit. Power lies in the hands of labor to retain American liberty, but labor has not yet learned how to use that power. A wonderful power is in the hands of women, too but they don’t know how to use it. Capitalists sidetrack the women into clubs and make ladies of them. Nobody wants a lady, they want women. Ladies are parlour parasites.”
Baptism Font at the North Cathedal in Cork where Mother Jones was baptised on the 1st August 1837. At the rear is St. Joseph the worker, a carving by Ken Thompson.Burial place of Mother Jones in Mt. Olive. Photo: James Goltz. Note: The Irish flag flies over her grave.
Later on in the day in a TV recording which still exists, she said in her singsong accent which betrayed her Cork roots:
“You know I am considered a Bolshevik, a Red and an IWW and a Radical. And I admit to being all they’ve charged me. I’m anything that would change moneyed civilization to a higher and grander civilization for the ages to come. And I long to see the day when Labour will have the destination of the nation in her own hands and she will stand as a united force and show the world what the workers can do.”
Mother Jones
In an earlier letter from Mother Jones dated November 12th 1928, she had made a special request to the miners of Mt. Olive.
“When the last call comes for me to take my final rest, will the miners see that i get a resting place in the same clay that shelters the miners who gave up their lives on the hills of Virden Illinois, on the morning of October 12th 1898. For their heroic sacrifice for their fellow men they are responsible for Illinois being one of the best organised labor states in America. I hope it will be my consolation when I pass away, to feel that I sleep under the clay with those brave boys.”
This Union Miners Cemetery was founded in Mt. Olive in 1898. As well as the Virden dead, many activists of the Progressive Miners’ of America (P.M.A) lie buried in this unique resting place. Among those who have been buried there recently include singer songwriter, and union activist, Anne Feeney, who performed in a concert at the 2014 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival in Shandon, Cork. In 1936, members of the Progressive Miners’ of America erected a large monument with two bronze statues and a 20 foot pillar over the grave of Mother Jones at its center. It was unveiled on the 11th October 1936 and more then 50,000 people attended the ceremony.
The Cork Mother Jones Committee announces that the 2026 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival will be held in and around the Shandon Historic Quarter over three days and nights from Thursday 23rd July until Saturday 25th July.
Bernie and Jane Sanders toast Mother Jones at the plaque.
According to James Nolan, spokesperson for the festival,
“We are happy to confirm that our 15th Annual Spirit of Mother Jones Festival will once again take place in the Shandon Historic Quarter in 2026.This inspiring festival is dedicated to trade union leader and social justice advocate Mother Jones, who was born Mary Harris in Shandon in 1837 and who has become an international symbol for human rights across the world.
This festival celebrates her life and achievements and supports the causes she fought for as the 100th Anniversary of her death in 1930 approaches.
The 2025 Spirit of Mother Jones Award was presented to Arthur Leahy. Included in the photograph is Cork’s own Mother Jones, Joan Goggin.
Organised by a voluntary committee, it remains open and free to all and attracts large numbers of visitors to our community annually.
We were overjoyed that US Senator Bernie Sanders came to Shandon in May to visit the community and walk the streets and in the footsteps of Mary Harris.
We acknowledge the practical support and encouragement of the Irish trade union movement and the assistance of the Cork City Council which enables the festival to produce a varied and challenging programme of events each year.We will announce participants and speakers over the coming months.”
Mexican Community Dancers accompanied by trade union leader, Mick Lynch at the Dance Cork Firkin Theater during the 2025 Festival.
The Cork Mother Jones committee is again inviting people to suggest ideas for topics at next year’s festival. These should relate to labour and trade union matters, its heritage and history, social justice and human rights issues. Potential speakers might also contact the committee if they feel they would like to address a related topic at the festival and summer school itself. Material must be relevant, interesting and challenging as debate and discussion is encouraged. All suggestions are considered by the voluntary committee and the closing date is 14th February 2026.
Don O’ Leary, community activist and fearless fighter for accessible and second chance education for young people, passed away today Friday 3rd October aged 68.
Don O’Leary speaking at the 2022 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival.
Don was the recipient of the 2022 Spirit of Mother Jones Award at an emotional ceremony on the 30th July 2022 in Shandon for his work with the Cork Life Centre. He was the first Cork man to receive this award for his tireless efforts and personal commitment to giving young people a second chance to acquire an education.
Don O’Leary with members of the Cork Mother Jones Committee and Rachel Lucey of the Cork Life Centre.Don O’Leary on Shandon Street waiting for the visit of Bernie Sanders to Nolan’s Butchers Shop.
Don O’Leary was thrilled to receive the 2022 Spirit of Mother Jones Award in recognition for his efforts to provide education for the youth of Cork. He was proud to receive the award as it was bestowed by the ordinary people of Cork. Among his other heroes were trade union leader, Mick Lynch and US Senator, Bernie Sanders, both of whom he met in Shandon during their visits to the community to honour Mother Jones.
The award citation presented to Mr. O’Leary contained the following:
“For his courage and determination to ensure that children and young people are not left behind by the Irish education system”
“For his advocacy of human rights and social justice especially in relation to the rights of children and their opportunities to progress to the best of their creative abilities and individual talents which contribute so much to a better community and world”.
Don O’Leary and Antoinette KeeganRachel Lucey, Don O’Leary and Sharon O’Neill.
Don O’ Leary with Caitriona Twomey.
James Nolan on behalf of the Cork Mother Jones Committee stated…….
“Don O’ Leary advocated tirelessly for giving young people a second chance in the education system which echoed the central belief of one of his heroes Mother Jones who also fought for the rights of young people to receive an education. We wish to express our sincere sympathy to the O’ Leary family on the passing of Don.”
Don O’ Leary receives the Spirit of Mother Jones Award for 2022 from James Nolan.
“The Organised Society and Role of the Labour Movement.”
The former General Secretary of the National Union of Rail,Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) Union, Mick Lynch returned to Cork to speak at the Spirit of Mother Jones festival 2025.
He spoke about the role of the Labour Movement in society.
Mick Lynch. Photo: Emma Bowell.
Thanks to JASE Media Services and after receiving many inquiries we are showing his entire talk which took place at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane.
Relevant, interesting and challenging are the criteria for presentations and lectures at the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival. Mick Lynch certainly delivered in this talk. We hope you will watch the video and listen to his ideas.
Mick Lynch: Photo: Angela Flynn.Joan Goggin and Ann Piggott with Mick Lynch. Photo: Emma Bowell.
Des Geraghty, Karan Casey, Mick Lynch and Ethel Buckley at the Cork Butter Exchange in Shandon.
Mick Lynch speaking at the weekly Gaza March in Cork City. Photo: Angela Flynn.Mick Lynch at the Mother Jones plaque.Mick Lynch with the Mexican Community Dance Group.
Cork piper Norman O’Rourke sadly passed away on Tuesday August 26th at St Finbarr’s hospital.
Norman O’Rourke at the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival.
Norman played his pipes at many events across Cork but for those of us associated with the annual Spirit of Mother Jones Festival, he will be remembered for piping in the Lord Mayor of Cork to the formal launches and official opening ceremonies of the festival.
Norman O’Rourke with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy and Cork’s Mother Jones (Joan Goggin).
Norman learned to play the pipes in the 1950s with the Cork Volunteers’ Pipe Band which took part in commemorative parades throughout Ireland and played at all the major Gaelic Athletic Association matches during that period. To many, Norman was the face and image of Cork city and he proudly adorns a large banner on the Grand Parade having been chosen as the official piper of the Decade of Centenaries celebrations by Cork City Council, where he is viewed by the thousands coming and going in the City Centre. He used to joke how he kept an eye on all the parades and demonstrations gathered right underneath him for years.
A City Remembers. Norman looks down on the Grand Parade.
A proud follower of Cork hurlers he was so looking forward recently to the All-Ireland final this year but alas victory was not to be. He played with and supported St Vincent’s Hurling and Football Club. However he was regularly seen leading parades of excited children to their medal presentations on pitches at GAA clubs, the sound of his pipes being a magnet for crowds to gather. A lifelong republican he played his pipes at commemorations, parades and funerals where he was a familiar figure.
Norman O’Rourke plays at the baptism font, where Mary Harris (Mother Jones) was baptised on 1st August 1837 in the North Cathedral in Cork. His performance took place on August 1st 2012 at the inaugural Mother Jones Festival. Photo by Martin Duggan.
He played at festivals across the City and It was a great honour for the Cork Mother Jones Committee to have him come each year to do the honours for the Lord Mayor of Cork at our festival. Norman often returned to the festival events later with his wife Marie where he listened to the speakers and the music and he really enjoyed the songs and the craic of the Cork Singers’ Club. Possessing a vast knowledge of Irish history he had a repertoire of stories and funny incidents which he told with a warmth, sincerity and humanity. His admiration for the Cork girl who went on to become Mother Jones was total.
Norman O’Rourke in Shandon in 2012.Norman O’Rourke with Marat Moore in 2012.
He was extremely proud of his family and spoke of his love and support for them.
Norman’s beloved pipes may be silent for now but his warm heart lives on.
We offer our sympathy to Marie, his children and his family.
Norman O’Rourke with his good friend, Richard T. Cooke.Finbarr Archer with Norman.Norman chatting with Richard T. Cooke and Ann Rea on the Cork Mother Jones Committee at the Festival in 2024.
Norman pipes in the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle accompanied by Cork’s Mother Jones to the Festival in 2024.
As Mairead O’Hara and Joan Goggin performed their songs at the plaque on Saturday evening, the Irish whiskey toasts were being organised and with one further and final toast to the Slainte and Solidarity of Mother Jones, the 14th annual Spirit of Mother Jones drew to a close after three full days and nights.
Mairead O’Hara sings at the plaque. Photo: Emma Bowell
After 33 hours of diverse events, involving over 100 participants from several nationalities and hundreds of people each day in attendance, the festival volunteers who organised and the participants who made it work looked tired and content. Another successful festival and summer school completed in Shandon with many highlights, some memorable, some difficult and some unforgettable.
Joan Goggin sings at the plaque. Photo: Emma Bowell.
An international meitheal of people working together as a festival community in support of social justice, human rights, labour and union solidarity certainly can celebrate the legacy of the full and eventful life of local girl Mary Harris, 175 years after she left these very streets for the final time. Although she died 95 years ago she lives on wherever people struggle for justice. Her slogan “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living” is still heard from the Halls of the US Congress to Ukraine and from the President of Ireland to the streets of Cork to the Palestinian solidarity demonstrations across the world.
March of the Mill Children, Shandon 2019. Photo: Claire Stack.Displayed in the US Congress recently,
It all began early on Thursday morning with a showing of the Frameworks Films produced Mother Jones and Her Children. This documentary filmed in both Cork and the USA and produced in 2014 remains one of the few visual accounts of the extraordinary life and achievements of Mary Harris/Mother Jones and contains the only existing interview with Mother Jones herself and film of the unveiling of the Cork Mother Jones plaque in 2012..
David Carroll from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions then spoke of the timely ICTU efforts to combat racism in workplaces and in society in general, his eye-opening factual presentation of the real facts about the contribution immigrants to Ireland are making to Irish society should be shown in every workplace, school and community centre in Ireland!
Left to Right: Anne Taylor, President Cork Council of Trade Unions, David Carroll, Speaker, ICTU, and Ann Piggott of the Cork Mother Jones Committee.
Raghad Abu-Shamala in the course of an emotional talk spoke of the morale boost which the Irish efforts to support Palestine bring to the people of Gaza. Raghad explained how as a colonised people their dream of freedom is influenced by the example of Ireland throwing off our occupation by colonists and proceeding to the creation of a democratic republic which stands up for human rights. Raghad expressed the hope that one day the Palestinian people will turn this dream into reality also and that the Irish people will continue to assist them to attain this dream.. We must hope too that Raghad can return and construct that dream of a free Palestine.
Raghad Abu-Shamala with John Barimo, Cork Mother Jones Committee. Photo: Emma Bowell.
The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Fergal Dennehy accompanied by Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan performed the official opening of the fourteenth festival, praised the work of Mother Jones and even gave us a song or two. The President of the Cork Council of Trade Unions, Anne Taylor gave a welcome address. This was followed by the presentation of the 2025 Spirit of Mother Jones Award to Arthur Leahy. The venue was packed to capacity for the reading of the Citation and it was very evident that Arthur was a very popular, inspired and worthy choice to receive the award in 2025.. Did we notice a tear or two as Arthur quietly accepted the award? His accomplishments in Cork over the past half century, usually achieved out of the limelight and in an unassuming manner, were worthy of many awards. He joins a worthy role of honour of activists who have received this annual award from the people of Cork such as Loiuse O’Keeffe, Antoinette Keegan, Gareth Peirce, Mick Lynch, Don O’Leary and the people of Palestine.
The colourful and dignified Kalyna Choir then celebrated the resilience of their war torn homeland under attack from Russia on a daily basis and brought home to the attendance their efforts to defend the freedom of their country. It has to be difficult emotionally when one’s families and friends are facing constant attack in their own communities which they had to leave after the invasion in 2022..
Kalyna Choir from Ukraine. Photo: William Hammond
Blanca Rice told the inspiring story of Pat Rice of Fermoy and explained how her father had survived incarceration and torture in an Argentinian prison in 1976 as a result of his defiant defence of human rights in the country after the coup by the military junta. He was released as a result of efforts by his family and friends in Fermoy and the Irish consulate to highlight his plight. After leaving the priesthood, Pat subsequently married a fellow detainee Fatima Cabrera, and went on to raise a family of three children. He continued to fight for human rights across the world until he died on July 8th 2010 and today represents an inspiration for the human spirit in the face of adversity. Perhaps one day Fermoy will create a permanent memorial to honour Pat Rice.
Blanca Rice speaking at the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival 2025. Photo: Emma Bowell.
Almost 50 years afterwards, one is left to wonder if human civilization has advanced at all when listening to the description of the ongoing depraved horrors taking place in Gaza, from Jilan Wahba Abdalmajiid, the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland.
Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajiid, speaking at the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival.
The “Gaza Monologues’ an Asktar Theatre Production, presented by West Cork for Palestine with its horrific daily descriptions by eye witnesses of life and death in that land confirmed the bleak genocide taking place. All the while a further generation of politicians across Europe of all places close their eyes to the ongoing destruction by Israel, the eviction of a people from their land and the growing ‘Trump Famine’, which sears the souls of Irish people in whom the Irish Famine is in the DNA. Mary Harris lives through the horrors of the ‘Great Hunger” on the very streets of Cork outside the doors of the Firkin Theatre where this was performed.
The sad story of environmentalist Petra Kelly left one also to wonder if there’s any hope for the entire Earth anyway as climate change seems to be impacting more and more. One had high hopes of the young people and school children taking up the challenge to bring about real environmental change yet the virtual disappearance of the thousands of young activists of the Fridays for Future gatherings appears to suggest otherwise.
Still the songs of hope and union solidarity and battles won and battles lost by the singers of the legendary Cork Singers Club renewed the spirits as the sunny July evening turned into darkness. David Curtin from Midleton sang his new Mother Jones song too to general acclaim!
A very late night of songs and stories and not a musical instrument to be heard. Thank you Willie Hammond for organising this unique event.
Des GeraghtyJames GoltzLeyla Cooke.
David Curtin sings Mother Jones at the Festival. Photo: William Hammond.
Friday morning began with Nick MacWilliam, who told of the murders of teachers, trader unionists and human rights activists in Colombia, in a largely hidden campaign to prevent the establishment of democracy.
Then came a festival highlight as Daniel Draper’s new documentary Iron Ladies captivated the audience. In the very first public showing of this classic documentary about the women of the Miners Strike of 1984/5, the straight talking, earthy humour and revelations of the actions by these fearless women (no men in this documentary!), in the engine room of the miners’ strike came as an eye-opener to many. It was uplifting to learn of their respect for Mother Jones and what this Cork born woman meant to them. Yet the visits to this festival over the years by Betty Cook, Anne Scargill, Davy Hopper and many other activists of the Miners Strike had made it clear to many how much the women really contributed during this strike and how their activism has continued over the past four decades since.
“When you’re fighting for survival you’ve got nothing left to lose”. Mal Finch’s Women of the Working Class about the women who fought alongside the miners resonate through history and you can see them in ‘Iron Ladies’. They are indeed the proud daughters of Mother Jones!. This documentary was directed by Daniel Draper of Shut out the Light Films (www.shutoutthelight.co.uk)
The songs, stories and poetry of Jimmy Crowley and Eve Telford again provided a tapestry of working people’s lives, travels and tall tales to an appreciative audience. Jimmy has managed to keep alive the ballads of ordinary people throughout Cork and beyond.
Mick Lynch, now retired from his union, discussed the role of the Labour movement in society and appealed for unity among democratic and progressive activists to defend the freedoms won. In the course of a challenging talk, he praised the efforts to stop the division between migrants and working class communities generated by the far right, so that they can move forward in a spirit of working class solidarity. He asked for the construction of social houses to be retained under the democratic control of the people where the rents paid would be used to construct more affordable homes. Mr Lynch encouraged people to stay active and involved in the Labour movement and not resign or depart to pursue worthy causes which could be more successfully pursued by the movement as a powerful united entity. As an orator, a thoughtful and challenging thinker of the Labour movement, Mick has few equals today!
Mick Lynch visits Nolan s Butcher Shop on Shandon Street. Photo: Myra Nolan
Another union orator and leader of labour joined us on Zoom afterwards as President Cecil E Roberts of the United Mine Workers of America told us the history of this historically important union, the union of Mother Jones. She was employed as a union organiser by the UMWA, one of the first women to take on this dangerous task. President Roberts has a personal connection also in that his great grandmother was known as Ma Blizzard, who was a trusted friend of Mother Jones in the union battles on Cabin Creek and Paint Creek in West Virginia during what became known as the “Mine Wars”. We acknowledge the assistance of James Goltz of Mt Olive in organising this historic interview during the festival. We wish President Roberts a long and happy retirement and a welcome always in Cork..
Shandon Plaza was then the location for a thrilling dance by the Mexican Community Dancers celebrating Madre Juanita for her support for the Mexican revolutionaries. Let’s hope none of the startled motorists and passerbys thought another revolution was taking place in front of the Butter Market!
Mexican Community Dancers.The Mexican Community Dancers with Mick Lynch at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane.
We only Want the Earth: The Life and Ideas James Connolly isa documentary written and directed by Alan Gilsenan of Yellow Asylum Films and with Des Geraghty as the driving force and executive producer. This thoughtful documentary tells the story of James Connolly, who led the Citizen Army in the 1916 Rising and who was executed soon afterwards. But We only Want the Earth concentrates on Connolly’s working life and union ideas and places his socialist labour views and his social vision for the construction of the structures required for a new society, into the modern Irish context. In this way Connolly’s vision lives on and his analysis remains relevant today. This documentary succeeds and makes one wonder what Connolly would think of Ireland today ……..do go see it!.
A panel discussion led by SIPTU Assistant General Secretary, Ethel Buckley, with Mick Lynch, Karan Casey and Des Geraghty followed.
Left to right: Des Geraghty, executive producer of We Only Want the Earth, Karan Casey, Mick Lynch and Ethel Buckley, at the Cork Buttermarket.
John Nyhan and George Mann, himself a former union organiser from New York then sang labour and union songs to complete a most remarkable day devoted to the common thread of labour heritage and history from the USA, the UK and Ireland.
Saturday began very early with local historian Peter Foynes strolling through the Shandon Historic District and offering his comments and unique insights into this district with its treasure trove of the history of this city. One can really appreciate why the community of Shandon on the hill is the beating and vibrant heart of Cork City. St’ Finbarr is credited with founding Cork but one suspects that the people living on this hill were there well before him.
Joe Noonan questioned whether environmental law and justice are allies or enemies. A capacity and attentive audience listened to this experienced lawyer with his rare legal skills and firsthand knowledge of the many community campaigns to which he has contributed. During his presentation he offered a blueprint for creating a successful community campaign to enforce environmental laws which should protect and enhance rather than undermine communities.
Speaker, Joe Noonan receiving a presentation from Ann Piggott of the Cork Mother Jones Committee. Photo: Emma Bowell.
Mike Allen discussed the homeless statistics which form the basis for the ongoing crisis of the lack of affordable accommodation in Ireland and which is leading to the external flight of young people and growing inequality internally in Ireland.
Mike Allen with Ed Lahiff of the Cork Mother Jones Committee
Speaker, Jack Lane with Dominic O’Callaghan of the Cork Mother Jones Committee. Photo: Emma Bowell.
The festival concluded with historians Jack Lane looking at the lives of Roger Casement, Anne Twomey speaking of women who had made their mark in Cork such as Anna Haslam, Suzanne Rouviere Day, Jennie Dowdall and Eileen Desmond. Luke Dineen examined the life, times and ideology of James Larkin. These speakers all offered insights into people who have made their mark in Ireland, some are well known and many mostly women who have made an often invisible contribution should be known. Anne Twomey and the Shandon Area History group have attempted to rectify this anomaly of history. . .
Left to right: Ann Rea, Anne Twomey and Dominic O’Callaghan. Photo: Emma Bowell.
The gathering at the plaque followed and a list of friends and festival attendees no longer with us was read to the large attendance. May all rest in peace.
George Mann from New York City sings at the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival. Photo by Emma Bowell.
Martin Leahy and Dee Power along with George Mann, Rory McCarthy, Joan Goggin, William Hammond and Mairead O Hara performed in what became a fantastic impromptu session of music and songs by the side of the street. James Nolan finally called for the annual toast to Mother Jones and it was duly performed in the warm glow of the low evening sunshine appearing from the west which breaks from behind the old Butter Market building at the top of the street. Slainte do Mother Jones!
Martin Leahy, and Dee Power with Ann Piggott at the plaque.
It had been a fitting celebration of the Spirit of Mother Jones, on the streets where Mary Harris walked, a spirit which lives on wherever people gather to organise against injustice. In a prescient observation, United States Senator Bernie Sanders remarked at the plaque a few weeks ago, “the world needs Mother Jones more than ever”. As we fast approach the centenary of her death, she is being recognised more and more as representing the true rebel spirit of Cork to the wider world..
The Cork Mother Jones Committee 2025 with Arthur Leahy recipient of the Spirit of Mother Jones Award 2025 and Joan Goggin, Cork’s Mother Jones.Martin Leahy, John Nyhan and William Hammond play at the plaque. Photo by Emma Bowell.Angela Flynn at the plaque. Photo by Emma Bowell.
The Cork Mother Jones Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Spirit of Mother Jones Award.
It has been awarded to Arthur Leahy.
Arthur Leahy speaking at a meeting in the Quay Co-op. Photo: J Barimo.
The award will be presented to Mr. Leahy by James Nolan, Chairperson of the Cork Mother Jones Committee at the Maldron Hotel, Shandon on Thursday afternoon 24th July 2025 at 1.00 pm after the Official Opening of the 2025 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival and Summer School by the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Fergal Dennehy. All are welcome to attend.
James Nolan spokesperson for the Cork Mother Jones Committee stated:
“The Cork Mother Jones Committee is pleased to present the 2025 Spirit of Mother Jones Award to Arthur Leahy.
Arthur has been active in this city for almost 50 years in a practical way as an advocate of social justice, of inclusiveness and fairness in society. He has devoted considerable effort to the promotion of gay rights and was involved in the organising of the first Irish National Gay Conference in Cork as far ago as 1980.
Arthur played an important role in supporting those impacted by the HIV/Aids epidemic in the 80s and was directly involved in numerous roles in establishing the Quay Co-op and The Other Place LGBT Community Centre in Cork. These provided vital support bases for progressive activists to meet and organise to fight the social and equality campaigns of the 80s/90s and up to the present day.
He has provided inspirational leadership in many campaigns and leads by practical example”
Award citation from the Cork Mother Jones Committee.
The Cork Mother Jones Committee presents the 2025 Spirit of Mother Jones Award to Arthur Leahy:
For his active role in establishing the gay rights movement in Cork and for his practical efforts to help and assist those in the gay community who were impacted by the HIV/Aids epidemic in the 1980s.
For his initiative when along with others he helped to establish the Quay Co-op on Sullivans Quay in the early 80s which created a safe haven and base for many campaign groups and from which many of those who have been in the forefront of activism on women’s rights, gay rights and environmental campaigns emerged over the past five decades.
For his personal activism and leadership on many issues such as the anti-amendment campaigns, the divorce and same sex marriage referenda which have contributed to the bringing about a wide range of positive inclusive social change in Ireland
For his active work over several decades on behalf of the people of Palestine and his practical support for the Cork Palestinian Solidarity Campaign which has seen many thousands gather each weekend on the Grand Parade in Cork City to bear witness to the genocide being inflicted on the citizens of Gaza and the West Bank. He has worked to identify Israeli products available in Ireland and has supported the Boycott, Disinvestment, and Sanctions (BDS) which aims to get Israel to comply with international law and rights for Palestinians.
As an advocate for social justice, he has, by his quiet practical efforts to foster a cooperative spirit among people working in progressive campaigns, succeeded in creating a more tolerant and fairer society and establishing a community approach which is sustainable and environmentally sound. In this way he is guiding the next generation of social activists to continue this vital work to make Cork and Ireland a better place for all.
The Presentation of the Spirit of Mother Jones Award took place before a packed audience on Thursday 24th July 2025.
All events take place at the Maldron Hotel, Shandon.
Thursday 24th July 2025 at 1.00 p.m.
Choir Kalyna.
Winners of the Lord Mayors top community prize at Cork City Hall in 2024, this choir has become a huge favourite across Cork in recent years. It comprises women and men who are now living in Cork following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing attacks on their country. The choir perform traditional songs from the Ukraine and their wonderful renderings of “You Raised Me Up” are inspiring for all who have been present at their performances.
Choir Kalyna should not be missed and their creative performances against a background of the assault on their homeland provide an example of hope for the human spirit to overcome adversity. We look forward to welcoming them back to perform at the opening of the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival.
Choir Kalyna with Viktoria.
The Cork Singers’ Club.
Thursday 9.30 p.m.
Established in 1993, the Cork Singers’ Club has uniquely featured in every Mother Jones festival since the opening night on 31st July 2012. Eagerly awaited each year, the Cork Singers’ Club will present an evening of songs. It has ensured that the tradition of singing remains alive in Cork, no instruments are allowed. For locals and visitors this is an opportunity to hear songs being sung in a pure manner in front of an attentive audience. Club members also gather each Sunday night at An Spailpín Fánach to hone their remarkable art. Under the Fear An Tí Jim Walsh, the Cork Singers’ Club is a gem of the singing heritage of the people of Cork. A special effort is made by the singers each year to honour Mother Jones with songs of unions, of working class people and social justice. Go along!
Cork Singers Club.Cobh Animation. Claire Stack.Lord Mayor of Cork singing Fulsome Prison Blues.
Friday 25th July at 1:00 p.m.
Maldron Hotel Bar.
Jimmy Crowley accompanied by Eve Telford.
Legendary Cork ballad and folk singer Jimmy Crowley accompanied by Eve Telford will perform at lunch time on Friday. Jimmy has created and played on the folk music scene in Ireland and across the world for over 60 years now. He established one of the first folk clubs in Cork in Douglas in the late 70s and early 80s. His band Stokers Lodge was very popular for a number of years.
From his song-writing to his solo albums to his Opus Mór; Songs From a Beautiful City(The Free State Press 2014), Jimmy has made an enormous contribution to preserving Irish ballads. He submits songs weekly to the Cork Evening Echo with a note dealing with its background and his contribution has now exceeded a thousand songs. He has appeared at the Spirit of Mother Jones festival since its very beginnings and holds the woman in very high esteem.
Eve Telford sings traditional folk songs from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. Born in Australia, her original songs are inspired by the wellsprings of world mythologies, indigenous rights, the natural world and political protest. Their concerts now embrace a wide variety of songs, old and new, traditional and modern.
Jimmy Crowley with Songs from a Beautiful City.Eve Telford and Jimmy Crowley singing at the Palestinian meeting on the Grand Parade.
Friday 25th July at 6.30pm. At the Shandon Plaza.
The Mexican Community Choir.
Cecila Gamez and her dancers representing the Mexican Community in Cork will perform close by the Dance Cork Firkin Crane on Friday evening. Their performance in traditional attire along with striking sombreros will add a riot of colour to the festival and will honour the connections Mother Jones made with the Mexican revolutionaries in the early 1900. Mother Jones campaigned for the release of many of the Mexican leaders who were imprisoned in the US and was honoured as Madre Juanita in Mexico in 1921.
Friday 25th July at 9.30 p.m.
Maldron Hotel Bar.
John Nyhan and Gearoid Nyhan and friends and introducing US labour singer George Mann.
George Mann is a former union organiser and now a singer of American Labour songs. Based in Ithaca New York, he is interested in labour and working class history and sings the songs of the labour and social justice movements of the 20th Century. He has toured widely and performs at hundreds of concerts each year. In 2013 he produced the “Almanac Trail” with Rik Palieri, which is a tribute to the famous Almanac Singers. Along with Si Kahn he recently released an album of Labour Songs. He is joining us here in Cork directly from singing at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival in Dorset. This is George’s first visit to Ireland and we are eagerly looking forward to his performance at the festival.
(At the Mother Jones Plaque on John Redmond Street)
Martin Leahy will again perform his song about homelessness “Everyone Should Have a Home” at the Plaque. He has performed this each Thursday outside Dail Eireann for the past two years and in doing so highlights the great failure of many recent Irish governments. His song “Where We Lay our Bodies Down” remains a tribute to Ann Lovett while “Snowflakes” relates to the online attacks on people. Martin hates injustice and he has been very active in exposing the genocide in Gaza and regularly sings also on Saturdays at the Palestinian marches in Cork City and in Bandon.
Martin Leahy with Mother Jones.
Dee Power is a music and drama educator, teaching piano, vocals, speech and dramas and coaching choirs in a variety of schools in the city and county. She plays in two Cork bands, Cork Floyd and Silvertone and plays a variety of sessions in music haunts around the city. She is outspoken re inequality and social injustices and you can regularly hear her using her voice to protest social injustices. She is delighted to be singing at the Mother Jones annual celebration and is much looking forward to setting with the esteemed Martin Leahy
Peter Foynes will conduct a heritage stroll in the Shandon Historical Quarter. Peter has lived and worked in Shandon for many years and is very familiar with this historic area with its ancient streetscape, its proud history and its resilient and diverse community. He offers a unique insight into the economic, social and political area and his Saturday morning festival walks around the community are essential to an understanding of the heritage which includes its famous daughter Mary Harris.
Meet outside the Maldron.
Peter Foynes.
11.00 a.m.
Joe Noonan
“Environmental Law & Environmental Justice – are they allies or enemies?’
Joe Noonan is a Solicitor in practice in Cork for 45 years. Carbon dioxide in 1979 was 336 ppm. It is 426 ppm now. His legal work has included some of Cork and Ireland’s most controversial environmental issues, from how we licence and regulate hazardous industrial activities, the assessment of proposals to build a waste incinerator in Cork Harbour, and assisting people driven from their homes by intolerable noise from badly planned wind turbines. Has the law helped or hindered the public on the front line? What is its place in the critically-urgent global and local response to climate change?
Three hundred years ago Jonathan Swift wrote that laws are like cobwebs. They may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets through.
How true is that of an area of law that concerns everyone – the law relating to the environment we depend on for our existence?
Joe Noonan.
12:00 a.m.
Jennie C Stephens
“Climate Justice Here and Now”
Jennie C. Stephens is a feminist climate justice scholar-activist based in Dublin. Her coalition-building work focuses on societal transformation and envisioning a hopeful future for all. She challenges the powerful actors and institutions who have been obstructing transformative climate action for decades and is a member of the Climate Justice Universities Union, a collective leveraging the transformative potential of higher education institutions to accelerate change toward a more just and healthy future. She is the author of Climate Justice and the University (Hopkins University Press, 2024) and Diversifying Power: Why We Need Feminist, Antiracist Leadership on Climate and Energy (Island Press, 2020).
Jennie C. Stephens.
2:00 p.m
Mike Allen
“Housing, Homelessness and the Struggle for Social Justice: A bed for the night.”
Over the last decade, the number of people who are homeless has quadrupled, with people from a far wider range of social background and circumstances becoming homeless, or at risk of losing their homes. Why has this happened? What impact does this have on the men, women and children who experience it? And what are the effects on our wider society? The talk will also set out some of the proposals about what can be done to solve the problem, and look at the various social movements which emerged over time to demand solutions.”
3:00 p.m.
Jack Lane
“Roger Casement-The Real and The Imagined”
Roger Casement remains a compelling figure in Irish history. This year is the 60th anniversary of his re-internment. He has become an icon for many causes. But icons are lifeless things and are deprived of context and thus any real historical meaning. Jack Lane argues that Casement remains highly relevant. After 49 of his 52 years as an active participant and onetime poster boy for the British Empire he became the most dangerous Irishman that the Empire ever faced. That is why he was hanged and that is why there has been a consistent attempt for over 100 years since to traduce his moral significance. Jack will seek to put the record straight.
Jack Lane with Anne Piggott.
4:00 p.m.
Anne Twomey
Making Their Mark: Remarkable Cork Women and the contribution they made to Cork and Irish Society.
Anne Twomey will discuss the ground breaking role of four Cork women. Anna Haslam, suffragette leader, feminist and campaigner for political rights for women. Suzanne Rouviere Day, suffragette, writer and novelist who was among the first women to stand for election. Jennie Dowdall the first woman elected Lord Mayor of Cork (1959) and Eileen Desmond, the first female Minister of the senior Government Departments of Health and Social Welfare.
Anne Twomey
5:00 p.m.
Luke Dineen
“Big Jim Larkin: His Life, Times and Ideology”
Big Jim Larkin lived in a tumultuous world during turbulent times. Like so many other radicals in the early years of the twentieth century, he believed that the dawn of a new age of the people was imminent, one in which the working classes, and not the captains of industry, would control the destinies of nations, including a free and independent Irish Republic.
Central to this vision was his belief in the ideology of syndicalism, the most popular brand of revolutionary socialism until the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. This talk will examine the various components of Larkin’s ideology until the 1913 Dublin Lockout, especially the impact that syndicalism had on him.
Note: This talk may take place using Zoom at the venue.
Luke Dineen.
6:15 p.m.
Plaque events and the annual toast
With singers Martin Leahy and Dee Power.
Hear Martin’s new song “Mother Jones” just released.
Followed by the traditional whiskey toast to Mother Jones at her plaque.
