1916: Seachtar na Cásca

James Connolly (1868–1916) was an Irish Marxist theoretician, socialist organizer, and resistance fighter. Though fiercely loyal to his compatriots in their struggle against British occupation, his left-wing nationalism rendered him a unique figure in the cause for Irish independence. Connolly's contribution to socialist theory was of significant importance, and greatly influenced my own ideological development. I recommend that all members research his writings.

With that said, the following is an excellent documentary (narrated in Gaelic, but featuring English subtitles) which chronicles Connolly's life, starting from his childhood living the slums of Edinburgh and ending with his tragic execution following the Easter Rising.


“Nationalism without Socialism—without a reorganisation of society on the basis of a broader and more developed form of that common property which underlay the social structure of Ancient Éirinn—is only national recreancy. . . . As a Socialist I am prepared to do all one man can do to achieve for our motherland her rightful heritage—independence; but if you ask me to abate one jot or tittle of the claims of social justice, in order to conciliate the privileged classes, then I must decline.”
—James Connolly

Thanks, Celtiberian. I'll be checking this fellow out today.