Tag Archives: Arthur Leahy

Dates for the 2026 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival Announced.

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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. 

Please send all all ideas, suggestions, or proposals by email to motherjonescork@gmail.com .

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy with Karen Brennan, Lady Mayoress of Cork and members of the Cobh Animation Team. Photo: Claire Stack.
Kalyna Ukrainian Choir perform at the Festival.
Some of the large crowd gathering at the Maldron Hotel during the 2025 Festival.

Announcement of the Spirit of Mother Jones Award for 2025.

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                                                 22nd July 2025

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.

James Nolan presents the award to Arthur Leahy.