Joan Goggin.
Joan was a familiar sight at the festival, dressed as Mother Jones in her Victorian outfit and being present at launches, openings or just attending some of the many events.
When not at the festival she often joined the picket lines at strikes in the city especially whenever nurses were involved.
Daughter of union man Bill Martin, she remembers her father telling her that Jim Larkin used to visit their home on Bandon road, when he came to Cork.
Joan passed away on March 26th 2026. May she rest in peace.
A memorial plaque was presented to her daughter Eadaoin Delaney on behalf of the Cork Mother Jones committee.
Norman O’Rourke
Norman attended many festivals and his stirring bagpipes piped in the Lord Mayors of Cork at the launches and openings of the Spirit of Mother Jones festivals. He was indeed a familiar sight at festivals, matches and Republican ceremonies around Cork and beyond for decades. Norman was thrilled to receive a Lord Mayor’s Community Award in 2024 and he was even more thrilled with his image on a large banner which hung on the Grand Parade for many years where it overlooked the Gaza marches on Saturdays.
Norman passed away on 27th August 2025. To Marie, his wife and to Brian, Dara, Niamh, Breffni and Cliona we extend our sympathy. Brian accepted the plaque on behalf of the O’ Rourke family and afterwards took it to St.Finbarr’s hospital to present to his mother Marie.
May Norman rest in peace.
Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís!