Events at the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival and Summer School for Saturday 25th July 2026. All events at the Maldron Hotel, Shandon except where stated.
9:30 a.m. Peter Foynes: A Heritage stroll. Meet at the Maldron
11:00 a.m. “Remembering the Asbestos War in County Cork 1975-1980” Speakers: Gertie O’Driscoll, Tom MacSweeney, Derry Chambers & John Twomey.
1:15 p.m. Memories of departed friends.
2:15 p.m. Naomi Masheti. Cork Migrant Centre. “Activism through Story Telling: Raising the Voices of Migrants’
3:30 p.m. John Donoghue. “The Battle of Irish Town: Mother Jones, the Ku Klux Klan, and the Catholic Working Class Resistance 1919-1923.”
5:00 p.m. Celebrating the Vita Cortex Struggle. Speakers: Ex-Workers and Supporters tell their story
6:30 p.m. Plaque events with singer and songwriter Martin Leahy. Singers and musicians welcome. Followed by a traditional whiskey toast to Mother Jones. Plaque is located on John Redmond Street.
The Cork Mother Jones Committee is delighted to announce the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Mother Jones Award.
It has been awarded to Irish trade union leader Phil Ní Sheaghdha, general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and currently President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
Phil NÍ Sheaghdha.
The award will be presented to Ms. Ní Sheaghdha at the Maldron Hotel Shandon on Thursday afternoon 23rd July at 3.30 pm by James Nolan on behalf of the Cork Mother Jones Committee after her contribution at the festival on the topic
“Democratic Trade Unions matter because they strengthen Democracy”
James Nolan spokesperson for the Cork Mother Jones Committee stated
“The Cork Mother Jones Committee is pleased to present the 2026 Spirit of Mother Jones Award to Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha.
Phil has served as the INMO’s Director of Industrial Relations from 2008 to 2018 before being appointed General Secretary in 2018. In 2019, she led the nurses first national strike in almost 20 years, securing significant improvements in pay and staffing for nurses and midwives.
Her steadfast defence of her members who perform their duties magnificently in spite of often working in difficult conditions in overcrowded hospitals and her regular exposures of the serious shortcomings in the Irish Health system has ensured that it remains in the public narrative and forces various governments to reform and invest in the service. Phil Ní Sheaghdha follows in the footsteps of Mother Jones as a formidable trade union leader who “fights for the living.”
The citation for Phil Ní Sheaghdha from the Cork Mother Jones Committee reads as follows.
The Spirit of Mother Jones Award 2026 will be presented to Phil Ni Sheaghdha • For Phil’s active role and leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic as nurses became front-line workers and continued to report for work in spite of personal dangers and all the inadequacies of the health service, including inadequate protection.
• For her consistent highlighting of the deficiencies in the hospitals throughout the Health Service Executive (HSE) system in Ireland and for exposing the sometimes appalling conditions and delays being experienced by patients on waiting lists and on trolleys
• For repeatedly drawing public attention to the day-to-day conditions under which nurses have to work due to the existing state of the health service and for drawing attention to solutions to improve the system.
• For her long standing commitment to nursing, to a decent health service for all, to the rights and safety of workers and for her fearless advocacy for her members at all times.
The Cork Mother Jones Committee congratulates Phil Ní Sheaghdha on this award.
The Kalyna Ukrainian Choir with the then Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy.
We are very proud of the fact that this choir has appeared in every festival since 2023 and has become a firm 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. In spite of the ongoing war and the personal toll on members the Choir represents Ukraine with pride and distinction. Winners of the Lord Mayors top community prize at Cork City Hall in 2024, this choir perform traditional songs from the Ukraine and their wonderful renderings of the Irish National Anthem “Amhrán Na bhFiann” and “You Raised Me Up” are inspiring.
Kalyna Ukrainian Community Choir should not be missed and their harmonious performances against a background of the war on their people and homeland provide an example of hope for the human spirit to overcome adversity. We look forward to welcoming them back to perform for the fourth time at the opening of the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival, on Thursday 23rd July at 1:00 pm at the Maldron Hotel. All are welcome.
Svitlava Deikun & Victoria Tymoshehuk with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle.
The Cork Singers’ Club.
Thursday 23rd July 2026 at 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 and an opportunity to sing a song themselves. Club members also gather each Sunday night at An Spailpín Fánach to hone their remarkable art.
Cork Singers Club on Tour. Photo courtesy of William Hammond.
Under the Fear An Tí Jim Walsh, the Cork Singers’ Club represents the unique singing heritage of the people of Cork. Their efforts at this festival to sing songs influenced by Mother Jones is deeply appreciated and songs of trade unions, of working class people and social justice, the well springs of folk and traditional songs are celebrated. Come along and sing your song!
Friday 24th July at 1:00 p.m.
Club Ceoil Ballyphehane Ballad Group
Club Ceoil Ballyphehane, a volunteer-run, non-profit traditional Irish music organization in Cork. Founded in 2008 by Maurice Dineen, the club welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, offering affordable classes on various instruments and group singing. The Club Ceoil Ballad Group consists of local singers and instrumentalists playing guitar, banjo, bodhrán, fiddle, and tin whistle.
Club Ceoil Ballyphehane
Notable highlights from the group include performing “The Hegartys of The Laurels” at Cork City Hall alongside composer John Murphy, as well as frequent performances for local charities like Feed Cork and community gatherings. Club Ceoil runs classes on a Monday night in Coláiste Éamann Rís and on a Tuesday evening in Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane. Their performance should not be missed and their first visit to the festival since 2019 is bound to be a memorable one.
Friday 24th July at 9.30 p.m.
John Nyhan and friendsand introducing David King and friends
What can one say about the legendary John Nyhan…? John is a highly versatile musician and singer who has been associated with the Spirit of Mother Jones festival since its beginning.
His contributions to the folk revival, country music and bluegrass music in Ireland has been immense over the years and he is a familiar sight at festivals in the north Cork area. He attends the Willie Clancy Summer School each year. His knowledge of music and those who play and sing is almost encyclopedic. His renderings of ‘Universal Soldier’ andWhere HaveAll the Flowers Gone’ are without parallel in the genre of anti-war songs and John sings them with a rare passion. He is very much at home with folk and protest songs from the 60s and 70s and as this year’s theme is ‘Songs of Struggle, Songs of Hope’ John will be at his best.
John Nyhan. Photo: Claire Stack.
John will introduce a relatively new band from the south side of the city led by American exile David King and his Irish Friends present an uplifting collection of songs of labour and wider struggles, inspired by the likes of Pete Seeger, Luke Kelly, Joan Baez and Woody Guthrie. This largely acoustic set includes some recent works and a fresh take on familiar standards. And maybe a few jigs, and a cowboy song or two. Perfect for celebrating the life and legacy of Mother Jones., the band will perform a wide selection of the songs of protest and struggle. A great evening’s music is assured.
Dave King and Friends.
Saturday 25th July at 6.30p.m. Approx. (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 recently declared that he felt he had made his point. His dedication in travelling each week to perform outside the Dail highlighted the great failure of many recent Irish governments. Last year we were honoured that Martin released his new song called ‘Mother Jones’ at the festival. It is available online.
Martin Leahy at the plaque with the late Joan Goggin.
His song “Where We Lay our Bodies Down” remains a fitting tribute to the late Ann Lovett while “Snowflakes“relates to the online attacks on people. Martin sings and plays in the tradition of Woody Guthrie and like woody abhors injustice. He writes his songs with that theme central to words and music. Martin has been very active in exposing the genocide in Gaza and regularly sings also on Saturdays at the Palestinian marches in Cork City.
This year we miss Jimmy Crowley from the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival line up. Jimmy was delighted to play at the Spirit of Mother Jones festival in the early days and has played at all of the Festivals to date. He made the festival Friday lunchtime concert all his own as he returned year after year to play his favourite songs of Cork before appreciative audiences. Many eagerly looked forward to Jimmy’s appearances, year after year.
This year he is recovering back home in Cobh from a very serious illness. On behalf of everyone at the festival, we wish him well and hope to see himself and Eve Telford back at the festival again.
Jimmy Crowley with his book, Songs from the Beautiful City.
Tom Boland lectures in Sociology at University College Cork. He has two principal research interests:
Tom Boland. Lecturer in Sociology in University College Cork.
Firstly, the sociology of unemployment and welfare policy. For over a decade, he has conducted interviews with unemployed people on their experience of redundancy, being out of work and job seeking. Simultaneously, he conducts national and comparative research on welfare policy, particularly around activation, that is, the mixture of supports and pressure exerted by the state – and private companies – on unemployed citizens. Reflecting this research, he has produced three books, each with Dr. Ray Griffin (SETU); The Sociology of Unemployment (2015), The Reformation of Welfare (2021) and Workocracy (Forthcoming). He has given evidence to multiple parliamentary committees and featured frequently in newspapers and radio.
Secondly, the sociology of culture and critique. Since becoming involved with Occupy and anti-Austerity protests during the Great Financial Crash, he has been researching how critique is used in public disputes. At present, he is researching how critique is ‘co-opted’ by the right-wing; that is, how rhetorical moves, like ‘revealing the truth’ or ‘unmasking ideology’ are borrowed from the left and used for anti-left purposes. This research is the basis of a forthcoming book Taking Criticism, which builds on a more theoretical precursor The Spectacle of Critique (2019).
Tom will speak on the topic of ‘This Land is Our Land; Confronting Extremism and Reclaiming Democracy.’ as a member of a panel discussion with Gema Kloppe- Santamaria and John Donoghue.
Moderator. John Barimo
Friday evening 24th july at 7.30 pm at the Maldron Hotel, Shandon.
Gema Kloppe-Santamaria is a Nicaraguan-born sociologist and historian whose work deals with questions of violence, gender, religion and the state in modern and contemporary Latin America.
She is currently a permanent Lecturer of Sociology at the University College Cork (UCC) and an Associate Research Professor of Latin American History at the George Washington University (GW).
Gema Kloppe-Santamaria
Prior to joining UCC and George Washington University, she was an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago and at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). In 2017-2018, Gema was a Visiting Fellow at the Kellogg Institute for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Gema holds a PhD in Sociology and Historical Studies from the New School for Social Research.
Her book In the Vortex of Violence: Lynching, Extralegal Justice, and the State in Post-Revolutionary Mexico (University of California Press, 2020) examines the uncharted history of lynching during the formative decades of the post-revolutionary period (1930-1960). Based on an array of previously untapped historical sources, the book contributes to globalize the history of lynching beyond the United States, while offering key insights into the cultural, historical, and political reasons behind the continuing presence of lynching in Latin America today.
Over the last decade, I have authored several specialized reports for the Wilson Center, the Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Center, the United Nations Development Program, and the International Peace Institute. I am also a collaborator and member of Noria Research’s Mexico & Central America Program.
Gema will contribute to a panel discussion entitled
“This Land is Our Land: Confronting Extremism and Reclaiming Democracy”
on Friday evening 24th July at 7.30 at the Maldron Hotel, Shandon.
Anne Twomey of the Shandon Area History Group will speak at the 2026 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival about the Cummins Sisters, a remarkable and fascinating Cork family.
The presentation will take place on Thursday 23rd July at 7.30 pm at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane.
Historian, Anne Twomey.
In particular. Anne will examine the lives of the five Cummins sisters who were daughters of William Edward Ashley Cummins (1858-1923) and Jane Constable Hall (1864-1944) who lived on Patrick’s Hill in Cork.
William Cummins was Professor of Medicine at University College Cork and a surgeon at Victoria Hospital.
It was a large Anglican family of five daughters, Geraldine, Mary, Iris, Jane and Phyllis and six sons Arthur, William, Robert, Harry, Nicholas and Fenton.
Left to Right: Dr. Mary Hearn, Dr. Jane Mullin, Geraldine Cummins, Phyllis Hayes, and Iris Cummins.
An unusual element is that in an era which is not noted for the involvement of women in 3rd level education and having independent careers, the five sisters achieved academic excellence through the encouragement especially of their father and the influence of their governess Winifred Holloway.
Their active participation in the sport of hockey at an international level, four out of the five gained international caps for Ireland, more than matched the achievement of their brothers on the rugby fields and was also unusual at the time. Their individual achievements in their private and professional lives in medicine, engineering, arts, as scientists and army officers in Cork and elsewhere are worthy of examination.
Iris Cummins holding the Munster Cup. Photo: UCC.
Anne Twomey will concentrate on the life stories and achievement of the five unique sisters and portray the wider picture of this unusual Cork family in the early years of the 20th century in Cork as they made their journey in a male dominated society through the turmoil and tragedy of World War 1.
Their story, their achievements and accomplishments which contributed to society in general and to an Ireland itself in a revolutionary era as it emerged from being a British colony on its troubled pathway towards creating a free and Independent state is worth telling.
How the women of this wealthy establishment Cork family which through education broke many glass ceilings and sought to actively transition into the new social and political fabric of society in many diverse ways remains largely untold.
A basic outline of the interests and lives five sisters follows:
Geraldine Dorothy Cummins (1890-1969) writer, suffragist, psychic and spiritualist. Geraldine co-founded the Munster Women’s Franchise League with Susanne Bouvier Day. Along with Susanne, she wrote and published plays, short stories and several religious books.
Geraldine Cummins.
She recalled being physically stoned by a hostile group of women in her native city in 1914 while campaigning for ‘Votes For Women’. Geraldine was briefly married to poet Austin Clarke. An Irish hockey international, she settled in London during World War Two and made occasional visits to Cork.
Mary Cummins Hearn, (1891-1969)
Mary, then a medical student, married Robert Hearn (1875-1952) in 1911. They had two children. Later he was appointed Bishop of Cork Cloyne and Ross (1938-1952). Mary returned to UCC to her medical studies, after which she was appointed an anesthetist in the Victoria hospital.
Dr.Mary Hearn, courtesy of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
Later as a gynecologist, Mary was renowned throughout Cork city as a family doctor for treating and curing all classes regardless of ability to pay. “Dr. Mary’s” astute medical knowledge of women and her kindness to patients became legendary. In 1924 she became the first female fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and continued to practice medicine in the city for almost 40 years. .
Also an Irish hockey international. The old graveyard surrounding the Bells of Shandon is named the Dr. Mary Hearn Park.
Iris Ashley Cummins (1894-1968)
Iris was the first female graduate in Engineering at University College Cork in 1915. After using her engineering skills in the British navy in World War 1 she returned to Ireland and established her own private business as a land surveyor. Later on in 1927 she joined the Irish Land Commission where she was appointed as the first female land surveyor. She lectured and wrote articles in engineering papers and always encouraged girls to enter the profession.
Iris Cummins at University College Cork.
Iris was an Irish hockey international from around 1914 to 1939 and was active in the administration of the game, including taking part in a trip to the United States where she met President Calvin Coolidge.in 1928. (Mother Jones also met President Coolidge earlier in 1924). On the 22nd February 2022, the Civil Engineering Building in UCC was named the Iris Ashley Cummins Building in her honour.
Aras Iris Ashley Cummins Building in University College Cork. Photo: J. Barimo.
Jane Grace Cummins (1899-1982)
Jane also studied at UCC and graduated with degrees in Medicine, Obstetrics and Surgery and joined the British Colonial Medical Service in Ghana, where she spent most of her life. Married in 1934 to David Miller, they had two children. She served as a squadron officer with the RAF Medical Service during the Second World War. After the war ended, she established child care clinics for the treatment of chest and TB illnesses.
Phyllis Aylmer Cummins (1907-1960)
Phyllis Aylmer Cummins graduated from UCC in 1929 with a Bachelor of Science and a Higher Diploma in Education. Later in 1931, she earned a Master of Science. She worked with the Metallurgy Atomic Research Station at Harwell in the UK.
Phyllis married Horace Shiel Hayes, son of Nathaniel Hayes in 1932.
There were also six sons in the family.
The Cork Mother Jones Committee acknowledges the research of Anne Twomey of the Shandon Area History Group.
Anne Twomey and Maeve Higgins of the Shandon Area History Group. Photo: Donoughmore Facebook.
The story of the Remarkable Cummins Sisters from Cork will be told in far more detail by Anne Twomey at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane on Thursday evening 23rd July at 7.30pm.
There is no charge, booking is not required but people are advised to come early as it is first come, first seated.
PHIL Ní SHEAGHDHA, President of the Irish Congress of Trade Union (ICTU) will speak at the forthcoming Spirit of Mother Jones Festival.
Phil Ní Sheaghdha. Photo by INMO.
She will address the topic
“Democratic Trade Unions matter because they strengthen Democracy.”
Phil was born and raised in the West Kerry Gaeltacht and is a proud advocate for the Irish language. She trained as a general nurse at Jervis Street Hospital in Dublin and later completed a postgraduate specialisation in intensive care nursing at Kingston Hospital in London.
Phil has extensive international experience, having worked as an ICU nurse in Ireland, Australia, the UK, and at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.
She joined the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO), in 1998 and went on to further her education, completing a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations, a Higher Diploma in Employment Law, and a qualification in Economics. Phil served as the INMO’s Director of Industrial Relations from 2008 to 2018, before being appointed General Secretary in 2018.
She is a strong and resilient advocate for her members. Phil has become one of the best known trade union spoke persons due to her regular media appearances and her cogent and factually informative arguments for her members who work in the front lines of the Health system in Ireland.
She is currently President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), Ireland’s national trade union federation, and serves as one of two Vice-Chairs of the ICTU Public Services Committee.
Phil will speak on Thursday 23rd July at the Maldron Hotel Shandon at 2.30 pm. All are welcome.
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
