About this Event
150: Kathleen Lynn & Cathal Brugha
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the births respectively of the Irish republicans Kathleen Lynn (28th January) and Cathal Brugha (July 18th) - two of the most extraordinary and iconic figures involved in the revolutionary events of early 20th century Ireland. This special afternoon event marking these occassions will feature two illustrated talks, with an audience Q & A thereafter. (Do note, full admission of €8.00 ticket goes towards UNRWA, an additional €1.55 service charge from Eventbrite also applies to payment)
A committed feminist, socialist, and republican, the revolutionary Dr. Kathleen Lynn was devoted to radical causes from the 1916 Easter Rising to the Civil War, and into the first three decades of the Irish Free State. One especially notable achievement was in 1919, when Lynn and others, established St. Ultan's Hospital for Sick Infants at No. 37 Charlemont Street, to give medical care to infants, and their mothers, in the Dublin tenements. Lynn had close assocations with key figures in the revolutionary movement, yet the most important was undoubtedly her longtime relationship with fellow suffragist, revolutionary and social campaigner, Madeline ffrench-Mullen.
Cathal Brugha, celebrated for his bravey during the Easter Rising, and having died fighting for the Republic during the Civil War, was one of the most tireless and devoted individuals to the cause of Irish freedom. Among his many roles, Brugha was an Irish language activist, an important organiser for Sinn Féin and the Irish Volunteers, the first Ceann Comhairle for Dáil Éireann, Minister for Defence in the underground Dáil government, and one of the chief opponents to the Anglo-Irish Treaty. His death near the start of the Civil War earned generous tributes from those on both sides of the burgeoning conflict, including from Michael Collins, who privately wrote: 'When many of us are forgotten, Cathal Brugha will be remembered.'
Participants
Dr. Mary McAulife (presenting a talk on Kathleen Lynn)
Dr. Mary McAuliffe is a historian and Director of Gender Studies at UCD. Her latest publications include Legacies of the Magdalen Laundries: Commemoration, Gender, and the Postcolonial Carceral State (2021) (coeditor), Margaret Skinnider (Life and Times Series) (2020), and Sexual Politics in Modern Ireland (2015) (co-editor). She is a past President of the Women's History Association of Ireland and is a member of the Humanities Institute, UCD. She was awarded the 2023 FoyJustice Award by UCD LGBTQI+ for her work on the Irish Queer Archive (IQA) and her research on Irish queer histories and sexualities.
Gerard Shannon (presenting a talk on Cathal Brugha)
Gerard Shannon is a public historian of the Irish revolutionary period and resident of Skerries in north county Dublin. His recent book, Liam Lynch: To Declare a Republic, was released to critical acclaim in March 2023. He recently co-organised the conference marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Cathal Brugha, and is currently writing a new biography of the IRA leader Rory O'Connor. He has an MA in History from the DCU School of History and Geography.
Liz Gillis (moderator)
Liz Gillis an author and historian from the Liberities in Dublin. She is the author of six books about the Irish Revolution including, 'Women of the Irish Revolution' and 'The Hales Brothers and the Irish Revolution', 'May 25: The Burning of the Custom House 1921' and co-wrote 'We Were There: 77 Women of the Easter Rising'. Liz has worked as a researcher on numerous publications, television and radio documentaries covering the period. In 2018 Liz was a recipient of the Lord Mayor's Award for her contribution to history.
On UNRWA
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN Member States. UNRWA also receives some funding from the Regular Budget of the United Nations, which is used mostly for international staffing costs.
The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance, including in times of armed conflict. Following the 1948 War, UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees. The Agency began operations on 1 May 1950.
In the absence of a solution to the Palestine refugee problem, the General Assembly has repeatedly renewed UNRWA's mandate, most recently extending it until 30 June 2026.
UNRWA is unique in terms of its long-standing commitment to one group of refugees. It has contributed to the welfare and human development of four generations of Palestine refugees, defined as “persons whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948, and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 War.” The descendants of Palestine refugee males, including legally adopted children, are also eligible for registration.
UNRWA services are available to all those living in its areas of operations who meet this definition, who are registered with the Agency and who need assistance. When the Agency began operations in 1950, it was responding to the needs of about 750,000 Palestine refugees. Today, some 5.9 million Palestine refugees are eligible for UNRWA services.
This fundraiser is for the charity's "Gaza Relief and Recovery" campaign which aims to address urgent humanitarian needs and support long-term recovery efforts in Gaza, which involves immediate relief, including providing essential medical supplies, food, medical treatment, clean water, and other necessities for families affected by the conflict. Additionally, their campaign will support rebuilding healthcare facilities and providing long-term support through impactful programs and projects to support the needs of children and the health sector in Gaza. It will also allocate resources towards trauma counseling, mental health support, and other initiatives for children affected by the conflict, aiming to foster healing and resilience within the community.
More details on their work can be found here: https://www.unrwa.org/
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Pearse Centre, 27 Pearse Street, Dublin, Ireland
EUR 8.00
