Belfast’s night to remember

Lynda Walker of the Belfast-based International Brigade Commemoration Committee reports on a memorable evening of spoken word and song on 29 May.

The Sunflower pub in Belfast was alive with people who came to commemorate this year’s 90th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War. The room was full to capacity to hear two great singers and two guest speakers.

Dr Brian Hanley launched the book ‘A Time for Heroes: International Brigade Commemoration Committee – 21 years of action’. He emphasised the need to continue the work of the International Brigaders and how the book was an example of that work.

Emmet O’Connor spoke about his International Brigader father, Peter O’Connor, who was born in Waterford and who went to fight in Spain. His father wrote a booklet, ‘A Soldier of Liberty’, which portrayed some of the problems the Brigaders faced. 

Dr Brian Hanley.

He welcomed the increase in interest in the Spanish Civil War thanks to this year’s anniversary of its start. He said it was an honour to speak at this Belfast event and to see a large and enthusiastic turnout. 

He went on to say:

In February I was interviewed by BBC Northern Ireland archives as part of what they called their ‘90th anniversary package’ which is to be rolled out throughout the year. 

In April I was delighted to mark the launch of Eoin Ronayne’s photographic exhibition on the journey of the 11 Waterford Brigadistas in Spain. 

Emmet O'Connor.

Unfortunately, I was unable to be present at the annual May Day event in Waterford that remembers them, organised each year by Councillor Séamus Ryan, the current Mayor of Waterford.

TG4 will begin interviews for a programme on Northern Protestant Brigadistas in August, and on 11 September the departments of history and journalism at Ulster University will sponsor a conference on the Irish media and the Spanish Civil War.

The singer-musicians captured the spirit of wanting to change the world for the better – for the many not the few. 

Fergus O'Hare.

Fergus O’Hare sang the more traditional songs like ‘Connolly Column’ by Joe Mulheron, and ‘Victor Jara’, whereas Joe Solo sang numbers like ‘Punk Rock Prepared Us For This’ as well  as stalwarts such as ‘Solidarity Forever’ and ‘No Pasarán’ – cheered on by some of his local fans.

With Dooley Harte of Craigavon Trades Council doing all the introductions, it was a night to remember. Joe Solo sent a message from the airport on his way home the next day saying: 

Belfast I love you. That was a proper special night in one of my favourite cities, and the Sunflower is such an ace venue. Massive Thank you to Lynda and Ernest Walker for their incredible hospitality and to all at the International Brigade Commemoration Committee for keeping the flame alive and for running nights like that, and to Dooley Harte erstwhile real tour guide and latterly emergency taxi service!

Joe Solo.