Bernie Sanders visits Cork butcher shop to honour legacy of Mother Jones

US senator Bernie Sanders pays tribute to Cork-born labour icon Mother Jones during unique stop at local butcher shop

It was the first time in his long political career that US senator Bernie Sanders held an event at a butcher’s shop, as he retraced the footsteps of activist Mother Jones across Cork City.

The 83-year-old Vermont native visited Nolan’s Butchers on Shandon Street on Tuesday afternoon to pay tribute to the Cork-born trade unionist once labelled “the most dangerous woman in America.”

US senator Bernie Sanders with Ann Piggott and Ger O'Mahony of the Mother Jones Committee at Nolan's Butchers on Shandon Street prior to visiting the Mother Jones plaque on John Redmond Street, Cork. Pictures: Dan Linehan

Nolan’s Butchers, run by James Nolan and his wife Marie, has served as the headquarters of the Cork Mother Jones Committee for the past 14 years.

In a small back room filled with potatoes and vegetables, the committee’s posters and brochures are displayed.

“Hi, how are you?” he said as he entered Nolan’s.

“Do you want me to sell something?” Mr Sanders added.

“We have a very good sale today," he said to the group of about 30 people in the shop.

“Ye can all queue up one by one,” Marie chimed.  “It’s cash only now.” 

Mr Sanders and his wife, Jane O’Meara Sanders, were welcomed with a round of applause and presented with a bottle of Tanora, a slab of Chester cake, and some Tayto crisps.

During the presentation, he was given a history of Mother Jones and a briefing on the work of the committee on Shandon Street.

Bernie Sanders, his wife Jane, Ann Piggott and Ger O'Mahony and the Mother Jones committee at the Mother Jones plaque on John Redmond Street, Cork. 

Mr Sanders added that he had not been aware that Mother Jones had immigrated to the town of Burlington, where he had previously served as mayor.

“I’ve been to many openings and events, and let me tell you this, first time ever me and Jane have ever been to a butcher’s shop,” he said. “Thank you, Cork.” 

Bernie Sanders and his wife Jane under the Mother Jones plaque with Garda Michelle McNamara, Sgt JP Twomey, Garda Tony Gardiner and Sgt David Fleming. Picture Dan Linehan

Mr Nolan said it was “brilliant and a privilege” to welcome Mr Sanders to his shop, which has been open for almost 80 years.

“He’s an amazing man. He’s been around for so long and still as good as he was 50 or 60 years ago, I suppose,” Mr Nolan told the Irish Examiner. “It’s just an honour to have him here, really. It is brilliant to have him,” he added.

Both Mr Sanders and his wife spent about 20 minutes in the shop before making their way down to John Redmond Street to honour the plaque dedicated to Mother Jones — with some speeches, a song, and a shot of whiskey.