Crossakiel in County Meath, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)
Jim Connell
September 22, 2009
1. Jim Connell Monument
which became the anthem of the
International Labour Movement
Born Rathniska, Kilskyre 1852
Died Lewisham, London 1929
Oh, grant me an ownerless corner of earth,
Or pick me a hillock of stones,
Or gather the wind wafted leaves of the trees
To cover my socialist bones,
—Jim Connell
This monument was unveiled on 26th April, 1998 by
Peter Cassells, general secretary, ICTU, before an
international gathering from the trade unions and
Labour movement.
—————
This monument, in memory of Jim Connell is dedicated to the millions
of Irish emigrants who fought for economic and social justice and
helped to build the trade union movement worldwide. The song
“The Red Flag”, was inspired by the London Dock Strike of 1889 and
the struggle to win the eight hour day by gas workers the same year.
These significant events heralded the unionisation of unskilled
workers in Britain and Ireland and their liberation from unrelenting
toil. Jim Connell was also actively involved in the development of the
Irish Land League and the establishment of its first branch in England.
The People's Flag is deepest red;
It shrouded oft our martyred dead;
And, ere their limbs
this page online
Their hearts' blood dyed its ev'ry fold.
Then raise the scarlet standard high.
Within its shade we'll live and die;
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer,
We'll keep the Red Flag flying here.
It suits to-day the weak and base,
Whose minds are fixed on self and place,
To cringe before the rich man's frown,
And haul the sacred emblem down.
We are grateful to the GMB London
Region and from Battersea and Wandsworth Trades Union Council,
whose founder members in London in 1889 inspired Jim Connell to write the
Red Flag and without whose support this monument would not be possible.
Workers of the world Unite
R.M.T.
Bob Crow General Sec.
Erected 1998 by Trade Union Councils, S.I.P.T.U. N.E.C., GMB London Region, Irish Labour Party, et al.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Labor Unions. A significant historical date for this entry is April 26, 1998.
Location. 53° 42.8′ N, 7° 1.221′ W. Marker is in Crossakiel, Leinster, in County Meath. Marker is on Local Road 154, on the right when traveling south. Marker is adjacent to the Crossakiel Handball Club. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Spire of Loyd
September 22, 2009
2. Jim Connell Monument
Also see . . . Jim Connell. (Submitted on February 10, 2010.)
Additional commentary.
1. Erected by
The Trades Council that was pivotal with funding of this monument and pf organising the erection was the Battersea & Wandsworth Trades Union Council.
— Submitted March 3, 2024, by Paul McDonnell of Morden, Surrey.
September 22, 2009
3. Jim Connell Bronze Plaque
September 22, 2009
4. Jim Connell Monument Dedication
September 22, 2009
5. "The Red Flag" on Jim Connell Monument
September 22, 2009
6. Jim Connell Monument Supporters
September 22, 2009
7. Workers of the world Unite
September 22, 2009
8. Jim Connell Monument Donors
September 22, 2009
9. Jim Connell Monument Donors
September 22, 2009
10. Jim Connell Monument
Crossakiel Handball Club in background.
September 22, 2009
11. Jim Connell Monument
Looking NNW.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,543 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on February 10, 2010.
