Mick Lynch, general secretary of the Rail Marine and Transport Union (RMT) will give the keynote address at the Robert Tressell Festival at Liberty Hall on Saturday 6th May.

 

The event will include discussions around the themes raised in the book The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Noonan.

 

Noonan was born in Dublin but wrote the semi-autobiographical book under the name Robert Tressell while living and working in Hastings in England. He died in Liverpool in 1911, and the book was first published in 1914.

 

Union leader Mick Lynch has become something of a household name in the UK over the past year as the RMT has been involved in a number of high-profile disputes with industry employers.

 

The son of two Irish parents, Lynch has spoken previously of the influence of the book and its author on his political development.

 

Lynch will be introduced by Phil Ní Sheaghdha. Phil is general secretary of the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO) and currently serves as Vice-President of ICTU.

 

As a classic of working-class literature, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, sometimes known as the “Painters’ Bible,” is credited with influencing the election of a transformational Labour Government in Britain in 1945.

 

The day-long festival will include seminars on various subjects, including the life of Noonan, trade union responses to immigration and integration, and the organisation of low-paid workers.

 

Speakers listed for the day include Darragh Lynch of folk group Lankum, and Labour historian, John Callow. Entertainment will be provided by Darragh Lynch and up-and-coming new Dublin band Faró.

 

Renowned historian-podcaster Donal Fallon of Three Castles Burning will host the evening event, admission to which is by ticket only.

 

 

Among those supporting the event are trade unions in Ireland and Britain, including Fórsa.

 

More information on the Festival and how to purchase tickets for its seminars and evening event is available at www.TressellFestival.ie. 

 

Tickets are available HERE.