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The Irish activist, Delia Larkin | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Larkin in the 1910s | |
| General Secretary of the Irish Women Workers' Union | |
| In office 1911–1915 | |
| Succeeded by | Helena Molony |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 27, 1878 |
| Died | October 26, 1949 (aged 71) |
| Resting place | Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin |
Delia Larkin, born on 27 February 1878 and passing away on 26 October 1949, was a pivotal figure in Ireland's labor movement, recognized for her work both as a writer and performer.Born in Liverpool to Irish parents, her activism was shaped by her family’s deep involvement in labour rights, particularly her brother, James Larkin. After relocating to Ireland, Delia became deeply involved in the country’s labor movement, helping establish and lead the Irish Women Workers' Union (IWWU) as its first general secretary.Delia Larkin’s tireless commitment to workers' rights, particularly during the 1913 Dublin Lockout, cemented her place as a significant figure in the evolution of Irish labor movements.[1][2] Early Life Delia was born in Liverpool on 27 February 1878 and raised in the Toxteth area as the youngest of six children.After her father's death in 1887, she took on work to help provide for her family. Raised in a politically conscious household, she was deeply influenced by her brother James, whose advocacy for socialist values and labor rights played a significant role in shaping her path as an activist. [3][4] Notable under her leadership, the union fought for improved wages and working conditions for women and publicized women's rights in the workplace. Delia’s activism with the IWWU was not limited to the ground but extended to behind the pen: her regular contributions to *The Irish Worker* newspaper were key in winning support for the fledgling women’s trade union.
Dublin Lockout
[edit]During the 1913 Dublin Lockout, Delia was instrumental in organizing relief efforts. While her brother James focused on gathering international support, she took charge of the logistical aspects at Liberty Hall, overseeing the distribution of essential provisions to striking workers and their families.Despite facing significant challenges, including resistance from other unions, Delia's tireless efforts helped sustain the workers during this pivotal period in the history of the Irish labour movement.[5][6]
Cultural and Social Contributions
[edit]Delia was a proponent of the idea that trade unions should not only advocate for workers' rights but also enrich the cultural and social lives of their member. Delia Larkin prioritized cultural and educational initiatives. In 1912, she established the Irish Workers' Choir and Dramatic Company, offering Irish-language classes, music programs, and drama productions at Liberty Hall, enriching the cultural lives of workers and their families. offering workers and their families cultural enrichment.
In 1914, Delia was threatened with legal action by Lady Gregory for using her play *The Workhouse Ward* without permission. Delia had hoped to use the play to raise funds for victims of the Dublin Lockout.
Before the 1916 Easter Rising,after a period spent as a nurse in England, Delia returned to Ireland in 1918. After conflicts with the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU), she helped her brothers James and Peter establish the Workers' Union of Ireland.
A dedicated suffragist, Delia Larkin was vocal in demanding the inclusion of women's suffrage in the proposed Home Rule Bill.
Personal Life and Death
[edit]In 1921, Delia Larkin married Patrick Colgan, a member of the Irish Citizen Army. After their marriage, they settled in Ballsbridge, Dublin, where her brother, James Larkin, joined them and spent his final years in their flat.
Delia Larkin passed away in 1949 at her home and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, a resting place for many important figures in Irish history.
Legacy
[edit]Delia Larkin left a lasting legacy in the Irish labour movement. Her leadership of the IWWU and efforts to promote cultural initiatives highlighted her commitment to improving both the professional and personal lives of Irish workers.She championed the rights of working women and used education and the arts to enrich their lives. Her pivotal role during the 1913 Dublin Lockout and her long-term advocacy for workers’ rights helped shape Ireland’s early 20th-century social and economic reforms.
References
[edit]- ^ Jones, Mary. The Women Workers of Ireland. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 1988.
- ^ MacCurtain, Margaret and Ó Corráin, Donncha. Women in Irish Society. Cork: Mercier Press, 1976.
- ^ Broderick, Marian. *Wild Irish Wom
Career=
[edit]General Secretary Role
[edit]Delia Larkin became the inaugural General Secretary of the Irish Women Workers' Union (IWWU) in 1911, a position through which she dedicated herself to advocating for improved conditions and rights for female workers. ref>Boyd, Andrew. *The Rise of the Irish Trade Unions*. Dublin: Anvil Books, 1985.
- ^ Yeates, Pádraig. *Lockout: Dublin 1913*. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 2000.
- ^ Jones, Mary. The Women Workers of Ireland. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 1988.
- ^ MacCurtain, Margaret and Ó Corráin, Donncha. Women in Irish Society. Cork: Mercier Press, 1976.
- ^ Jones, Mary. *The Women Workers of Ireland*. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 1988.
- ^ MacCurtain, Margaret and Ó Corráin, Donncha. *Women in Irish Society*. Cork: Mercier Press, 1976.
- ^ Jones, Mary. *The Women Workers of Ireland*. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 1988.
- ^ MacCurtain, Margaret and Ó Corráin, Donncha. *Women in Irish Society*. Cork: Mercier Press, 1976.
- ^ Jones, Mary. The Women Workers of Ireland. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 1988.
- ^ MacCurtain, Margaret and Ó Corráin, Donncha. Women in Irish Society. Cork: Mercier Press, 1976.
Bibliography
[edit]- Brockie, Gerard; Walsh, Raymond (2004), Modern Ireland, Gill & Macmillan, ISBN 0-7171-3516-0
- "Dublin Lockout 1913". Patrick Yeates History Ireland Magazine, Vol. 9 No. 2 Summer 2001.