As you stroll along O’Connell Street, Dublin’s longest avenue, you’ll come across an imposing monument: that of Jim Larkin! This Irishman remains a major figure in Irish history to this day. He is famous for his fight on behalf of the poorest workers. A trade unionist and activist, he was as controversial as he was admired, and took part in some of the major events of the day, including the Dublin Strike of 1913.
Jim Larkin – Public domain
James (Jim) Larkin (1876 – 1947) is one of those emblematic figures who left an indelible mark on Irish history. He and his workers’ union fought a major battle against Dublin’s major industries, which he criticized for underpaying their workers.
His union, called ITGWU (Irish Transport and General Workers Union), aspired to greater social justice and less drastic working conditions. In 1913, Jim Larkin and James Connolly launched a series of strikes and boycotts against the city’s major companies.
In addition to this, Jim also stepped up his efforts to organize non-unionized workers. These actions are particularly unpopular with employers.
The tug-of-war lasted several months, ending in 1914.
Today, Jim Larkin remains a symbol of union activism. His fight for social justice and for working people has made him a historical figure who is still held in high esteem in Irish society.
All the more reason to dedicate an imposing statue to the man, right on Dublin’s main thoroughfare. Impossible to miss, it takes the form of an imposing pedestal, depicting James Larkin calling out to the crowds, arms raised to the sky.
An inscription appears on the front of the pedestal, translated into French, English and Irish Gaelic:
The great are great only because we’re on our knees: Let’s get up.
Ní uasal aon uasal ach sinne bheith íseal: Éirímis.
The great appear great because we are on our knees: Let us rise.
A reference to a slogan first used in the 18th century in a radical Parisian newspaper, “Révolutions de Paris13”. Picked up by James Connolly and Jim Larkin in their socialist struggle, the phrase has a resounding echo in Ireland.
On the west side of the statue’s pedestal, there is also a poem by the famous Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh, dedicated to the Irish trade unionist:
And Tyranny trampled them in Dublin’s gutter
Until Jim Larkin came along and cried
The call of Freedom and the call of Pride
And Slavery crept to its hands and knees
And Nineteen Thirteen cheered from out the utter
Degradation of their miseries.
The east side features a final quote from Drums under the Windows by Seán O’Casey:
…He talked to the workers, spoke as only Jim Larkin could speak, not for an assignation with peace, dark obedience, or placid resignation, but trumpet-tongued of resistance to wrong, discontent with leering poverty, and defiance of any power strutting out to stand in the way of their march onward.
Access to the monument is free, and it’s right on the avenue, near the Spire and the GPO (General Post Office). Don’t hesitate to admire it: even if it only takes 5 minutes to walk around, it will give you a better understanding of 20th-century Irish history.
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