10:00 a.m. Maldron Hotel
Mother Jones and her Children.
This documentary film tells the story of Mary Harris (1837 – 1930) from Cork who went on to become known as “the most dangerous woman in America”. Beginning with her early years in Cork, the documentary goes on to detail her life in America following the famine, her marriage to George Jones and the birth of her four children.
It describes the awful tragedies which befell her. Her growing involvement in the labour movement in America, defending the rights of children and workers is documented. Through interviews with leading experts on Mother Jones, we learn of her fearless and tireless campaign to organise workers at a time of severe labour strife and her international legacy today.
Produced by Frameworks Films and the Cork Mother Jones Committee in 2014.
Runtime is 52 minutes.
11:00 a.m. Maldron Hotel.
David Carroll.
Anti-Racist Workplaces project coordinator of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
This project is developing training, capacity building and research to support the fight against Racism at every level of the workplace and union activity across the island of Ireland. It also aims to highlight the invaluable contributions made to Ireland’s workforce by migrant workers across the island.
12:00 noon Maldron Hotel
Raghad Abu-Shamala
“Education in Palestine under Occupation: Human rights violations and aspirations.
Raghad is a Palestinian PhD candidate at UCD specializing in children’s rights in education. Growing up under occupation did not limit her dreams but broadened her horizons. At the age of 14, she was awarded a recognition certificate for achieving the highest results in Human Rights examinations in her school by UNRWA. Join us to learn more about education under occupation, human rights violations and aspirations, as well as the impact of these factors on embracing your identity.
1:00 p.m. Maldron Hotel
Official Opening of the 2025 festival by the Lord Mayor of Cork,
Cllr: Fergal Dennehy.
Songs from Choir Kalyna.
Attendance by Cobh Animation.
Presentation of the Spirit of Mother Jones Award 2025.
2:15 p.m. Maldron Hotel.
Blanca Rice
“From Fermoy to Latin America: The Human Rights Legacy of Patrick Rice”
“On the night of October 11th 1976, Patrick and Fatima, were walking together having finished their social work at a local church in Buenos Aires City, when they were suddenly kidnapped by the Argentinean police, thrusting them into a nightmare of torture and disappearance that seemed to have no end.
But, even in the darkest moments, hope and solidarity shone through. A courageous network of Buenos Aires locals risked their lives to save them, while an entire town like Fermoy, along with Patrick’s family, united in a relentless call for their freedom. Thanks to the pressure put on the Irish government by the campaign in Fermoy, the Irish Embassy in Argentina tirelessly sought Patrick’s release, and an international campaign was launched demanding his freedom.
Through these never ending weeks for family and friends, over one hundred letters were sent to the Irish Embassy in Argentina and to Patrick’s family home, expressing empathy and support.
Patrick emerged as a survivor, dedicating his life to sharing his story and advocating for human rights. Eight years later, when Democracy returned to Argentina, Patrick and Fátima were reunited. Their bond, forged in adversity, blossomed into love and they built a family together: Carlos, Amy and me.”
Note: On March 24th 1976 an Argentine military junta overthrew the government of President Isabel Peron. Thousands of trade unionists, human rights activists and students were arrested, many were tortured and thousands murdered and disappeared over the next seven years. Fr. Pat Rice survived to tell the story of what took place.
4:00 p.m. Dance Cork Firkin Crane.
Jilan Wahba Abdalmajiid
A talk by the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland.
Followed immediately at 5pm by:
“Gaza Monologues”
Theatrical Performance produced by Ashtar Theatre, Ramallah. Directed by Naser Al-Swirki
Ashtar Theatre, Palestine, produced the Gaza Monologues with young adults in 2009 and since then, the monologues have toured the world. They were updated by the former group in 2024.
Naser Al-Swirki from Gaza will direct the monologues with actors, musicians and community members from Skibbereen and Cork.
Among those taking part are Siobhan McSweeney, Maeve Higgins, Gerry Kelly, Katrina O’Kane, Aine O’Gorman, Moze Jacobs, Thaddeus O’Buachalla, Clionadh O’Keefe, Trish Lavelle, Tina Neylon, leen MA’rouf, Noor Abbas, Douglas Henderson and Noel O’Callaghan.
7:00 p.m. Dance Cork Firkin Theatre.
Petra Kelly – Act Now!
A documentary by Doris Metz.
Petra Kelly co-founded the German Green Party, Die Grunen in 1979. At one stage in the 1980s it provided the political inspiration for the environmental movement which had developed from the international anti-nuclear mobilisation of the 1970s. Born Petra Karin Lehmann in Bavaria in 1947 she was educated in Germany and later in America, where she was deeply influenced by Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement. After returning to Germany she campaigned relentlessly across Europe for political and social change which would protect the environment, ban uranium mining, support nuclear disarmament, defend human rights and work across the iron curtain for the peace movements.
This documentary from Doris Metz also reveals the human side of Petra Kelly as told by her friends and political colleagues and contains much unseen material. Petra was an extraordinary person who became the environmental spokesperson for green politics. Her campaigns remain as relevant today as a new generation of scientists and activists warn of rising temperatures, accelerating climate change and the use of nuclear weapons.
This film is essential viewing for anyone concerned about these issues. The tragedy of her murder deprived the environmental movement of a recognised leader and silenced a passionate voice.
Runtime: 104 minutes.
Petra visited Cork and attended Carnsore Point anti-nuclear festivals.
We hope to have a discussion about the legacy of Petra Kelly.
9:30 p.m. Maldron Hotel Bar.
Cork Singers’ Club.
This unique club of unaccompanied singers has performed at the opening night of the festival since the festival began in 2012 so after our opening days events are complete, why not come along and participate or simple enjoy the night with Jim Walsh as Fear an Ti. The singers night will perform songs about trade unions, workers’ lives, social justice, human rights, life itself and many other topics. Singers are welcome to participate and if anyone wishes to contribute a song, just put your name down on the list.
The Cork Singers’ Club holds regular sessions at the Spailpín Fánach Bar on South Main Street on Sunday nights and is an essential visit for anyone with an interest in singing and to hear the songs of the people of Cork.