Tribute to Emmet’s forgotten working men

IN THIS, the bicentenary of Robert Emmet, it was fitting that one of Ireland’s most charismatic and interesting historical figures should have been commemorated by various cultural events.

The new studies of Emmet by Marianne Elliot, Patrick Geoghegan and Ruan O’Donnell have awakened

renewed interest in him and his motives. Is his reputation a fabrication of narrow-minded 19th century nationalists? Or is it the recognition due to an anti-sectarian champion of universal liberty and democracy?

Emmet’s reputation was unassailable amongst the working class community of Dublin’s Liberties. It was the workers and trade unionists of Dublin who stood by Emmet when the men of property faded away.

Many of those executed with Emmet were carpenters, weavers and tailors. The headless bodies of at least 12 of them were dumped in a grave in Bully’s Acre (The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham).

Among their number was Owen Kirwan, an official of the Tailors’ Union, and Henry Howley, an official with the Regular Society of Carpenters. No stone marks the spot where these men have lain forgotten for 200 years.

On Sunday at 1pm, a wreath will be laid in Bully’s Acre on behalf of the Dublin Council of Trades Union to commemorate Emmet’s forgotten working men who died in the cause of universal freedom and democracy in 1803.

Further information from 087 2624837.

Fergus Whelan,

Irish Congress of Trade Unions,

31-32 Parnell Square,

Dublin 1.