Larkin makes comeback in City of the Tribes

Big Jim Larkin was one of the hits of the Galway St Patrick’s Day parade — after being rejected by the city that prides itself on his legacy.

A float with an actor depicting the country’s most famous trade union leader was deemed inappropriate for the Dublin parade, but found immediate favour with the organisers of the Galway parade.

While Larkin is renowned for leading union members during the infamous Dublin Lockout of 1913, the centenary of which is being celebrated this year — and a statue of the big man stands in O’Connell St — he was refused entry to the main thoroughfare of the capital on the national holiday.