International Participation at the 2025 - Spirit of Mother Jones Festival in Cork

Writes Leo McMahon

The 14th annual Spirit of Mother Jones Festival will commence on Thursday 24th July and continue for three days and nights until Saturday July 26^th. There are 22 events planned and all are free to the public on a first come first seated basis. Events will be held in the Dance Cork Firkin Crane and the Maldron Hotel.

The festival and summer school celebrates the amazing life of Cork born Mary Harris who went on to become known the world over as Mother Jones, the radical trade union and miners’ leader. Senator Bernie Sanders, during his recent visit to view the Mother Jones Plaque in Shandon, stated that Mother Jones was never more needed in the world today. 

James Nolan, spokesperson for the Cork Mother Jones Committee said: ‘This year we are delighted to welcome participants from the United States, Mexico, the Ukraine, the UK, Palestine and Argentina as well as Ireland in what has become a truly international festival and represents an amazing achievement and undertaking for this small community’ 

Speakers will include the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Jilan Wahba Abdalmajiid who will discuss the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. This will be followed by the very powerful ‘Gaza Monologues’, both events taking place at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane.

Mother Jones

UK rail and transport trade union leader and Corkman Mick Lynch makes a welcome return to the festival while Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mineworkers Union of America will join the festival participants on Zoom. The SIPTU Trade Union will show the new documentary by Alan Gilsenan, 'James Connolly'.

Mike Allen of Focus Ireland will discuss the homeless crisis which is the major issue of our time. Solicitor Joe Noonan will ask whether environmental law and environmental justice are allies or enemies. Jennie Stephens of Maynooth University will talk about Climate Justice. Many young environmentalists should come along and hear the story of Petra Kelly, one of the founders of the Environmental movement.  

Historian Anne Twomey will speak about some remarkable Cork women who have made their mark and their contribution to Cork and Irish Society.  Luke Dineen will examine the role of James Larkin while Jack Lane will discuss ‘the real Roger Casement’.  

Music and songs will be provided by the Cork Singers' Club, Jimmy Crowley and Eve Telford, Martin Leahy, Dee Power while US labour singer George Mann performs in Cork for the very time.  Blanca Rice of Fermoy will tell the inspirational story of her father Pat Rice who was imprisoned by the Argentinian Junta in 1976. The prestigious Spirit of Mother Jones award for 2025 will also be announced at the festival which is open to all and free.

For further details contact James Nolan 086 1651356, Ann Piggott 087 9031282 or Gerard O’Mahony 086 3196063. Details can be found on www.motherjonescork.com. And in programmes available in the public libraries.