The Risen People Podcast

In this special extended episode of The Risen People we celebrate the life and legacy of Larkin's. The episode features an in-depth interview with historian Dr. Brian Hanley on the lives and legacies of Larkin's. The episode kicks off with a tribute to the late Jer O'Leary, whose unforgettable portrayal of Larkin brought the fiery trade unionist to life on stage and on the streets and ends with actor Ruairi Heading who is continuing the tradition, reimagining Larkin’s powerful presence at union events today. 

In the summer of 1945, a group of union women did something extraordinary. They went on strike for a second week's paid holiday and won  This week, marks the end of their strike, This brave action is considered one of the most pivotal chapters in the IWWU movement of resistance and hope. The fruits of their strength and resistance is something that all workers in Ireland today enjoy.  In this episode of the Risen People Podcast, we hear this story and other stories of members of the Irish Women Workers Union, led by Delia Larkin, Helena Malony and Louie Bennett. Labour Historian Theresa Moriarty provides a brief illustrated history of the Irish Women Workers' Union, an organisation founded in 1911.

Tom Johnson is a foundational figure in the Irish trade union movement and in politics. Johnson believed in the power of parliamentarianism and is, so far, the only Leader of the Labour Party who served as Leader of the Opposition in the Dáil. On the 30th anniversary of the Tom Johnson Summer School we look back on the life and legacy of Tom and Marie Johnson with Irish Labour History Society President Shay Cody and former Chair of Labour Youth, Aideen Carberry.

This month we look back at the life and times of Jim Larkin Jnr, a man many consider to be the best leader the Labour Party never had. The son of the legendary James Larkin, Young Jim forged his own path in politics and trade unionism at home and abroad. Join us as we explore with Dr Emmet O’Connor his legacy in the history of the Labour Party and our movement. We open up with Irish Labour History Society President, Shay Cody with a reflection on Young Jim and his relationship with Tom Johnson.

To kick off our second series, we look back at one of a divisive period in the history of our movement and learn how through the decades that old wounds were healed. Over the course of this series we have contributions from Dr Theresa Moriarty, who sheds light on the experiences of women workers in the Workers’ Union. Dr Emmet O'Connor will also delve into the life and legacy of Young Jim Larkin.Our first episode features a lecture from Padraig Yeates on the foundation of the Workers' Union and a firsthand account, from Billy Attley on the historic merger that formed SIPTU. We begin this episode with a tribute to Jim Larkin by the great Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh, setting the stage for the many battles to come. 

"There is a time for everything, There is a time for revolution and there is a time for reform. Ours is a time of regeneration and renewal."In this episode of the Risen People we hear from author of Trade Unions Adrian Kane. Adrian says in his book that an active and engaged union membership is vital to the wellbeing and strength of our movement as he charts a way back to Union Renewal. We hope you enjoy.